Systems, tools and methods for well decommissioning

ABSTRACT

There are provided high power laser systems for performing decommissioning of structures in land based boreholes, and wells, offshore, and other remote and hazardous locations, and using those system to perform decommissioning operations. In particular embodiments the laser system is a Class I system and reduces emission of materials created during laser cutting operations. The laser systems can include lifting and removal equipment for removing laser sectioned material.

This application:

-   -   (i) claims, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1), the benefit of U.S.        provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/262,870, filing date        of Dec. 3, 2015;    -   (ii) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 14/213,212 filed Mar. 14, 2014: which claims, under 35        U.S.C. § 119(e)(1), the benefit of the filing date of Mar. 15,        2013, of provisional application Ser. No. 61/798,875; is a        continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.        13/565,345 filed Aug. 2, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,089.928); and        is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.        14/139,680 filed Dec. 23, 2013, which claims under 35 U.S.C. §        119(e)(1) the benefit of the filing date of Dec. 24, 2012 of        provisional application Ser. No. 61/745,661;    -   (iii) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 14/105,949 filed Dec. 13, 2013;    -   (iv) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 13/966,969 filed Aug. 14, 2013, which is a        continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.        13/565,345 filed Aug. 2, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,089.928),        which claims under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)(1) the benefit of the        filing date of Mar. 1, 2012 of provisional application Ser. No.        61/605,422 and the benefit of the filing date of Aug. 2, 2011 of        provisional application Ser. No. 61/514,391;    -   (v) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.        No. 14/803,228 filed Jul. 20, 2015,    -   the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein        by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present inventions relate to methods, apparatus andsystems for the delivery of high power laser beams to cut and removestructures in the earth, and in particular, for surface decommissioningactivities for hydrocarbon wells, among other things. The presentinventions also relate to the laser welding of surfaces and materials,and in particular such surfaces and materials that are located inremote, hazardous, optically occluded and difficult to access locations,such as: oil wells, boreholes in the earth, pipelines, undergroundmines, natural gas wells, geothermal wells, subsea structures, ornuclear reactors. The present methods, systems and apparatus furtherprovide for the utilization of high power laser beams at the deliveredlocation for activities, such as, monitoring, welding, cladding,annealing, heating, cleaning and cutting.

Embodiments of the present inventions relate to methods, apparatus andsystems for the use of high power laser beams and associated systems,both mechanical and fluid based, for the decommissioning of structures,including off shore structures, on shore or land based structures, oilwells, oil production equipment, ships and large vessels, factories,nuclear facilities, chemical factories, chemical facilities and otherstructures that can be on shore, offshore, sub-sea, land based, on thesurface, sub-surface and combinations and variations of these.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise “high power laser energy”means a laser beam having at least about 1 kW (kilowatt) of power. Asused herein, unless specified otherwise “great distances” means at leastabout 500 m (meter). As used herein, unless specified otherwise, theterm “substantial loss of power,” “substantial power loss” and similarsuch phrases, mean a loss of power of more than about 3.0 dB/km(decibel/kilometer) for a selected wavelength. As used herein the term“substantial power transmission” means at least about 50% transmittance.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, “optical connector”, “fiberoptics connector”, “connector” and similar terms should be given theirbroadest possible meaning and include any component from which a laserbeam is or can be propagated, any component into which a laser beam canbe propagated, and any component that propagates, receives or both alaser beam in relation to, e.g., free space, (which would include avacuum, a gas, a liquid, a foam and other non-optical componentmaterials), an optical component, a wave guide, a fiber, andcombinations of the forgoing.

As used herein the term “pipeline” should be given its broadest possiblemeaning, and includes any structure that contains a channel having alength that is many orders of magnitude greater than its cross-sectionalarea and which is for, or capable of, transporting a material along atleast a portion of the length of the channel. Pipelines may be manymiles long and may be many hundreds of miles long. Pipelines may belocated below the earth, above the earth, under water, within astructure, or combinations of these and other locations. Pipelines maybe made from metal, steel, plastics, ceramics, composite materials, orother materials and compositions known to the pipeline arts and may haveexternal and internal coatings, known to the pipeline arts. In general,pipelines may have internal diameters that range from about 2 to about60 inches although larger and smaller diameters may be utilized. Ingeneral natural gas pipelines may have internal diameters ranging fromabout 2 to 60 inches and oil pipelines have internal diameters rangingfrom about 4 to 48 inches. Pipelines may be used to transmit numeroustypes of materials, in the form of a liquid, gas, fluidized solid,slurry or combinations thereof. Thus, for example pipelines may carryhydrocarbons; chemicals; oil; petroleum products; gasoline; ethanol;biofuels; water; drinking water; irrigation water; cooling water; waterfor hydroelectric power generation; water, or other fluids forgeothermal power generation; natural gas; paints; slurries, such asmineral slurries, coal slurries, pulp slurries; and ore slurries; gases,such as nitrogen and hydrogen; cosmetics; pharmaceuticals; and foodproducts, such as beer.

As used herein the term “earth” should be given its broadest possiblemeaning, and includes, the ground, all natural materials, such as rocks,and artificial materials, such as concrete, that are or may be found inthe ground, including without limitation rock layer formations, such as,granite, basalt, sandstone, dolomite, sand, salt, limestone, rhyolite,quartzite and shale rock.

As used herein the term “borehole” should be given it broadest possiblemeaning and includes any opening that is created in a material, a workpiece, a surface, the earth, a structure (e.g., building, protectedmilitary installation, nuclear plant, offshore platform, or ship), or ina structure in the ground, (e.g., foundation, roadway, airstrip, cave orsubterranean structure) that is substantially longer than it is wide,such as a well, a well bore, a well hole, a micro hole, slimhole andother terms commonly used or known in the arts to define these types ofnarrow long passages. Wells would further include exploratory,production, abandoned, reentered, reworked, and injection wells.Although boreholes are generally oriented substantially vertically, theymay also be oriented on an angle from vertical, to and includinghorizontal. Thus, using a vertical line, based upon a level as areference point, a borehole can have orientations ranging from 0° i.e.,vertical, to 90°,i.e., horizontal and greater than 90° e.g., such as aheel and toe, and combinations of these such as for example “U” and “Y”shapes. Boreholes may further have segments or sections that havedifferent orientations, they may have straight sections and arcuatesections and combinations thereof; and for example may be of the shapescommonly found when directional drilling is employed. Thus, as usedherein unless expressly provided otherwise, the “bottom” of a borehole,the “bottom surface” of the borehole and similar terms refer to the endof the borehole, i.e., that portion of the borehole furthest along thepath of the borehole from the borehole's opening, the surface of theearth, or the borehole's beginning. The terms “side” and “wall” of aborehole should to be given their broadest possible meaning and includethe longitudinal surfaces of the borehole, whether or not casing or aliner is present, as such, these terms would include the sides of anopen borehole or the sides of the casing that has been positioned withina borehole. Boreholes may be made up of a single passage, multiplepassages, connected passages and combinations thereof, in a situationwhere multiple boreholes are connected or interconnected each boreholewould have a borehole bottom. Boreholes may be formed in the sea floor,under bodies of water, on land, in ice formations, or in other locationsand settings.

As used herein the term “advancing” a borehole should be given itsbroadest possible meaning and includes increasing the length of theborehole. Thus, by advancing a borehole, provided the orientation isless than 90° the depth of the borehole may also increased. The truevertical depth (“TVD”) of a borehole is the distance from the top orsurface of the borehole to the depth at which the bottom of the boreholeis located, measured along a straight vertical line. The measured depth(“MD”) of a borehole is the distance as measured along the actual pathof the borehole from the top or surface to the bottom. As used hereinunless specified otherwise the term depth of a borehole will refer toMD. In general, a point of reference may be used for the top of theborehole, such as the rotary table, drill floor, well head or initialopening or surface of the structure in which the borehole is placed.

As used herein the terms “ream”, “reaming”, a borehole, or similar suchterms, should be given their broadest possible meaning and includes anyactivity performed on the sides of a borehole, such as, e.g., smoothing,increasing the diameter of the borehole, removing materials from thesides of the borehole, such as e.g., waxes or filter cakes, andunder-reaming.

As used herein the terms “drill bit”, “bit”, “drilling bit” or similarsuch terms, should be given their broadest possible meaning and includeall tools designed or intended to create a borehole in an object, amaterial, a work piece, a surface, the earth or a structure includingstructures within the earth, and would include bits used in the oil, gasand geothermal arts, such as fixed cutter and roller cone bits, as wellas, other types of bits, such as, rotary shoe, drag-type, fishtail,adamantine, single and multi-toothed, cone, reaming cone, reaming,self-cleaning, disc, three cone, rolling cutter, crossroller, jet, core,impreg and hammer bits, and combinations and variations of the these.

As used herein the term “drill pipe” is to be given its broadestpossible meaning and includes all forms of pipe used for drillingactivities; and refers to a single section or piece of pipe. As usedherein the terms “stand of drill pipe,” “drill pipe stand,” “stand ofpipe,” “stand” and similar type terms should be given their broadestpossible meaning and include two, three or four sections of drill pipethat have been connected, e.g., joined together, typically by jointshaving threaded connections. As used herein the terms “drill string,”“string,” “string of drill pipe,” string of pipe” and similar type termsshould be given their broadest definition and would include a stand orstands joined together for the purpose of being employed in a borehole.Thus, a drill string could include many stands and many hundreds ofsections of drill pipe.

As used herein the term “tubular” is to be given its broadest possiblemeaning and includes drill pipe, casing, riser, coiled tube, compositetube, vacuum insulated tubing (“VIT), production tubing and any similarstructures having at least one channel therein that are, or could beused, in the drilling industry. As used herein the term “joint” is to begiven its broadest possible meaning and includes all types of devices,systems, methods, structures and components used to connect tubularstogether, such as for example, threaded pipe joints and bolted flanges.For drill pipe joints, the joint section typically has a thicker wallthan the rest of the drill pipe. As used herein the thickness of thewall of tubular is the thickness of the material between the internaldiameter of the tubular and the external diameter of the tubular.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise the terms “blowoutpreventer,” “BOP,” and “BOP stack” should be given their broadestpossible meaning, and include: (i) devices positioned at or near theborehole surface, e.g., the surface of the earth including dry land orthe seafloor, which are used to contain or manage pressures or flowsassociated with a borehole; (ii) devices for containing or managingpressures or flows in a borehole that are associated with a subsea riseror a connector; (iii) devices having any number and combination ofgates, valves or elastomeric packers for controlling or managingborehole pressures or flows; (iv) a subsea BOP stack, which stack couldcontain, for example, ram shears, pipe rams, blind rams and annularpreventers; and, (v) other such similar combinations and assemblies offlow and pressure management devices to control borehole pressures,flows or both and, in particular, to control or manage emergency flow orpressure situations.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, “offshore” and “offshoredrilling activities” and similar such terms are used in their broadestsense and would include drilling activities on, or in, any body ofwater, whether fresh or salt water, whether manmade or naturallyoccurring, such as for example rivers, lakes, canals, inland seas,oceans, seas, bays and gulfs, such as the Gulf of Mexico. As usedherein, unless specified otherwise the term “offshore drilling rig” isto be given its broadest possible meaning and would include fixedtowers, tenders, platforms, barges, jack-ups, floating platforms, drillships, dynamically positioned drill ships, semi-submersibles anddynamically positioned semi-submersibles. As used herein, unlessspecified otherwise the term “seafloor” is to be given its broadestpossible meaning and would include any surface of the earth that liesunder, or is at the bottom of, any body of water, whether fresh or saltwater, whether manmade or naturally occurring.

As used herein the terms “decommissioning,” “plugging” and “abandoning”and similar such terms should be given their broadest possible meaningsand would include activities relating to the cutting and removal ofcasing and other tubulars from a well (above the surface of the earth,below the surface of the earth and both), modification or removal ofstructures, apparatus, and equipment from a site to return the site to aprescribed condition, the modification or removal of structures,apparatus, and equipment that would render such items in a prescribeinoperable condition, the modification or removal of structures,apparatus, and equipment to meet environmental, regulatory, or safetyconsiderations present at the end of such items useful, economical orintended life cycle. Such activities would include for example theremoval of onshore, e.g., land based, structures above the earth, belowthe earth and combinations of these, such as e.g., the removal oftubulars from within a well in preparation for plugging. The removal ofland based tubulars at the surface of the earth, below the surface ofthe earth, less than 20 feet below the surface of the earth, andcombinations and variations of these. The land based tubulars, wouldinclude for example, conductors and casing. The removal of offshorestructures above the surface of a body of water, below the surface, andbelow the seafloor and combinations of these, such as fixed drillingplatforms, the removal of conductors, the removal of tubulars fromwithin a well in preparation for plugging, the removal of structureswithin the earth, such as a section of a conductor that is located belowthe seafloor and combinations of these.

As used herein the terms “workover,” “completion” and “workover andcompletion” and similar such terms should be given their broadestpossible meanings and would include activities that place at or near thecompletion of drilling a well, activities that take place at or the nearthe commencement of production from the well, activities that take placeon the well when the well is producing or operating well, activitiesthat take place to reopen or reenter an abandoned or plugged well orbranch of a well, and would also include for example, perforating,cementing, acidizing, fracturing, pressure testing, the removal of welldebris, removal of plugs, insertion or replacement of production tubing,forming windows in casing to drill or complete lateral or branchwellbores, cutting and milling operations in general, insertion ofscreens, stimulating, cleaning, testing, analyzing and other suchactivities. These terms would further include applying heat, directedenergy, preferably in the form of a high power laser beam to heat, melt,soften, activate, vaporize, disengage, desiccate and combinations andvariations of these, materials in a well, or other structure, to remove,assist in their removal, cleanout, condition and combinations andvariation of these, such materials.

Generally, the term “about” as used herein, unless specified otherwise,is meant to encompass a variance or range of ±10%, the experimental orinstrument error associated with obtaining the stated value, andpreferably the larger of these.

Prior Methodologies to Remove Land Based Structures

There are generally several methodologies that have been used to removestructures from at or near the surface of the earth. These methodologiesmay general be categorized as: complex saws, such as diamond saws;reciprocating saws; large mechanical cutters or shears; oxygen-arc ortorch cutters; abrasive water jets; and explosives. Generally, all ofthese methodologies require the excavation of a large hole around thestructure to be removed so that personnel and equipment can be loweredto the depth where the cut is to be made in the structure, so that theportion of the structure above the cut can then be removed.Additionally, these prior methodologies typically require that thetubular be filled with cement before it is cut. For safety and efficacyconsiderations, because both personnel and equipment must be loweredinto these holes, which can be 6, 10, 15, 20 feet deep, or deeper, thediameter of the holes has to be considerably large, and other safety,e.g., anti-collapse, measures must be taken. Additionally, andespecially when dealing with oil and gas wells, e.g., conductors orcasings, the risk that natural gas may be present in the hole duringcutting is present. Thus, these existing methodologies, have numerousdisadvantages, including that they are expensive, require substantialearth moving equipment, place personnel in more risky positions, requiresafety precautions to address those risks, and are time consuming, bothfor the cutting process and the excavating process, among otherfailings.

This Background of the Invention section is intended to introducevarious aspects of the art, which may be associated with embodiments ofthe present inventions. Thus, the forgoing discussion in this sectionprovides a framework for better understanding the present inventions,and is not to be viewed as an admission of prior art.

SUMMARY

There is a need for faster, safer, cleaner and more efficient ways toremove structures from the earth. The present inventions, among otherthings, solve these and other needs by providing the articles ofmanufacture, devices and processes taught herein.

Thus, there is provided a system for surface decommission of wells, thesystem having: laser unit, the laser unit having: a chiller; a lasersource, the laser source capable of generating at least a 5 kW laserbeam; a control systems; and, a control counsel; a deployment crane; alaser tool having a shielding and exhaust gas collection housing; a gatedoor on the laser unit, the gate door having and upper and a lowersection, whereby the lower section is hingidly attached to the unit; thedeployment crane mounted on the upper section of the gate door, wherebywhen the gate door is opened the upper section is a greater distancefrom the unit than the lower section; and, the laser tool having: afirst assembly; a second assembly; whereby the second assembly isrotatable with respect to the first assembly; and, the second assemblyhousing a laser beam path.

Further there are provided the systems and methods having one or more ofthe following features: wherein a high power optical fiber extendsthrough the first assembly; wherein the first assembly has an opticalslip ring; wherein the first assembly has an optical slip ring andwherein a high power optical fiber is in optical communication with theoptical slip ring; wherein the tool as deployed during normal operationis classified as having an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less; wherein the tool as deployed during normaloperation has an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹radiance or less and wherein the first assembly has an optical slipring; having an exhaustion gas treating assembly, the assembly having: acap; a filtration device; and a means to transport laser cutting exhaustmaterials to the filtration device, whereby the assembly reducespollutants from the exhaust gasses prior to release into the atmosphere;wherein the pollutants are selected from the group consisting of VOC,HAP, TAP and particulates; wherein the pollutants are reduced by atleast 95% and wherein the tool as deployed during normal operation hasan accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance orless; wherein the pollutants are reduced by at least 90%; wherein thepollutants are reduced by at least 99%; wherein the pollutants has VOCand are reduced by at least 95%, and wherein the tool as deployed duringnormal operation has an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻²sr⁻¹ radiance or less; wherein the pollutants are reduced by at least95% and wherein the tool as deployed during normal operation has anaccessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less;and wherein the pollutants are reduced by at least 99%.

Yet further there is provided a high power laser system having a highpower laser tool for deployment in a structure to be cut, the systemhaving: a high power laser field unit having a high power laser and alaser umbilical, the laser umbilical having a high power laser opticalfiber, the high power laser optical fiber having a distal end, aproximal end, and defining a length there between, the proximal end ofthe optical fiber in optical communication with the high power laser;the distal end of the optical fiber in optical communication with a highpower laser tool; the high power laser tool having: an upper section, alower section and housing a laser beam path; a means for reducingpollutants from a laser exhaust material stream; and, a means to provideoptical shielding.

Still additionally there are provided the methods and systems having oneor more of the following features: wherein the means for reducingpollutants and the means to provide optical shielding has the same cap;wherein the tool has equal to or lower than a Class I accessibleemission limit; and wherein the essentially all pollutants can beremoved from the exhaust gasses prior to release into the atmosphere;wherein the pollutants are selected from the group consisting of VOC,HAP, TAP and particulates; wherein the pollutants are reduced by atleast 80%; wherein the pollutants are reduced by at least 85%; whereinthe pollutants are reduced by at least 95% and wherein the tool asdeployed during normal operation has an accessible emission limit of2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less; and, wherein the pollutantsare reduced by at least 99%.

Moreover there is provided a Class I high power laser tool system forsurface and near surface deployment in a tubular to be cut, the toolhaving: a laser tool having a first assembly, and a second assembly; abody having a length, the body mechanically associating the secondassembly and the first assembly; the second assembly having a housing,the housing having an optics assembly in optical communication with ahigh power optical fiber and a laser beam exit port, wherein the opticsassembly defines a laser beam path exiting the housing through the laserbeam exit port; a means for shielding the laser beam path, whereby thetool has equal to or lower than a Class I accessible emission limit;and, a means for reducing pollutants from a laser exhaust materialstream.

Additionally there is provided a method of removing a structure locatedin the earth, the method having: positioning a laser decommissionsystems in the area of a structure to removed from the ground, the laserdecommissioning system having a high power laser unit, a lifting device,and a laser decommissioning tool, and a laser exhaust material filter;the structure at least partially located in the earth, having anexterior surface, and extending down under a surface of the earth for atleast 50 feet; the structure having an opening at or near the surface ofthe earth; placing the laser decommissioning tool in optical associationwith the structure, whereby a laser beam path from the laser beam toolis located at a depth below the surface of the earth; delivering thelaser beam along the laser beam path to the structure in a laser beampattern, wherein the accessible emission limit is equal to or lower thana Class I, and whereby the structure is cut; generate an exhaustmaterial stream and removing pollutants from the stream; and, removingthe structure above the cut from the earth.

In addition there are provided the methods and systems having one ormore of the following features: wherein the laser beam is at least about5 kW; wherein the laser beam is at least about 10 kW; wherein the laserbeam is at least about 15 kW; wherein the laser beam is at least about20 kW; wherein wherein the pollutants are selected from the groupconsisting of VOC, HAP, TAP and particulates; and wherein the exhauststream has an amount of pollutants and the filter system reduces thosepollutants by at least x %, where x is at least 85%, at least 90%, atleast 95% and at least 99%; and wherein the pollutants are reduced belowat least 90%, and wherein the tool as deployed during normal operationhas an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance orless.

Yet additionally there are provided the systems and methods having oneor more of the following features: wherein the structure is a tubularand the area is a hydrocarbon well site to be decommissioned; whereinthe structure is a conductor and the area is a hydrocarbon well site tobe decommissioned; wherein the structure is a multistring conductor andthe area is a hydrocarbon well site to be decommissioned; wherein thedecommissioning tool is at least partially within the structure and thelaser cut is an inside to outside cut; wherein the earth remainsadjacent to the outer surface of the structure while the structure is inthe earth; wherein the earth is removed from the exterior of thestructure to at or below the depth, thereby creating a space, defining adistance, between the earth and the exterior of the structure; andwherein the lifting frame has, an open frame structure defined byhorizontal cross bars, a plurality of main legs, a plurality ofextension legs, and a pulling device.

Still further there is provided a method of performing down hole highpower laser welding operations on a target structure within a boreholein the earth, the method having: optically associating a high powerlaser tool with a source of a high power laser beam, whereby the lasertool can deliver a high power laser beam along a beam path;operationally associating the laser tool with a target structure in aborehole in the earth; whereby the laser beam path is through a freespace partially defined by a distance between the laser beam tool to thetarget structure; providing a controlled and predetermined atmosphere inthe free space; propagating the laser beam through the controlled andpredetermined atmosphere and performing a laser cutting operation on thetarget structure; and, generate an exhaust material stream and removingpollutants from the stream.

Moreover there is provided a method of removing a tubular from theearth, the method having: locating a structure in the earth, thestructure having a length that extends below the surface of the earth,an inner surface and an outer surface, whereby the inner surface definesa cavity and the inside of the structure and the outer surface definesthe outside of the structure, the cavity extending below the surface ofthe earth; positioning a cutting device in the cavity below the surfaceof the earth; cutting the structure below the surface of the earth, withan inside to outside cut, whereby an upper and lower section are formed;and separating the upper and lower sections while they are both in theearth.

Still further there are provided methods and systems having one or moreor the following features: wherein the cutting device is a non-directedenergy device, such as a mechanical device, such as a water jet orparticle jet; wherein the cutting device is a laser; wherein the laserhas a power of at least 5 kW; wherein the laser has a power of at least15 kW; wherein a lifting device is placed over the cavity; wherein theupper and lower sections are separated by a lifting frame placed overthe cavity; and, wherein the lifting device has: an open frame structuredefined by horizontal cross bars, a plurality of main legs, a pluralityof extension legs, and a pulling device.

Moreover there is provided a mobile laser decommission unit, the unithaving: a high power laser, capable of generating a laser beam having atleast about 5 kW of power; a chiller; a laser tool; a liquid containmentvessel; and, an exhaust stream filtering device.

Still further there is provided the systems and methods having one ormore of the following features: having a crane; and wherein the unit hasa gate having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the proximal endremains attached to the unit when the gate is in an open position; andthe crane being attached to an interior of the gate, whereby the craneis positioned on the distal end of the gate; and wherein the unit iscompliant for TAP, VOC, and HAP emissions and a Class I high power lasertool system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser unit, inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tubular near thesurface of the earth in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A after thetubular has been removed in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2B after thetubular has had a cover plate added in accordance with the presentinventions.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser unit inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of a damaged down hole section of awell.

FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the damaged section of FIG. 4Ashowing an embodiment of a laser weld and repair in accordance with thepresent inventions.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a laser reinforcedmultilateral junction borehole configuration in accordance with thepresent inventions.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a well site inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 6A is cross sectional view of an embodiment of a laserdecommissioning tool in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a laserdecommissioning tool in accordance with the present inventions.

FIGS. 7A to 7E are views of embodiments of laser cuts in accordance withthe present inventions.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser tool inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 8A is a cross sectional perspective view of the lower portion ofthe embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser tool inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 9A is a perspective and cross sectional view of an embodiment of alaser tool in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 9B is a cross section view of the tool of FIG. 9A as deployed inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser tool inaccordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an embodiment of alaser decommissioning system in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 with therear section open.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11C is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the open rear section of theembodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the open rear section of theembodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11F is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11, with the rearsection open.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile auxiliarylifting unit system for a laser decommissioning system in accordancewith the present inventions.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, with a cut away view of the earth, of adeployed system at a well site in accordance with the presentinventions.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lifting frame of alaser decommissioning system in accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 14A is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 14B is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 14C is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, with a cut away view of the earth, of adeployed system at a well site in accordance with the presentinventions.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser cutting toolin accordance with the present inventions.

FIG. 16A is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, the present inventions relate to systems, methods and toolsfor applying laser beams and laser energy for the cutting and removal ofsurface structures, and structures located in the earth but nearer tothe surface, and for the welding and repairing materials, structures andobjects. The present inventions thus relate to many aspects of systems,methods and tools for the delivery and use of high power laser energy insurface, near surface and within a tubular, for cutting, removing,annealing, welding, patching and repairing operations.

Embodiments of the present inventions include methods, systems and toolsfor performing surface, near surface and shallow decommissioningoperations of hydrocarbon wells. Thus, in general, an embodiment of sucha system has a high power laser that may include related field supportand control equipment, such as disclosed and taught in US PatentApplication Publication No. 2012/0068086, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference. The system has a laser deliverytool assembly that has an optics assembly for shaping and directing thelaser beam and a rotation means or assembly for rotating or revolvingsome or all of the optics assembly so that a complete cut of the targetstructure can be made. As this system is preferably used at or near thesurface the tool should have appropriate laser shielding, and preferablysufficient shielding so that laser protective glasses are not required.

The system also has an umbilical that includes a high power opticalfiber for transmitting the laser beam from the laser to the tool. Thefiber may extend to the tool, or extend into the tool to the opticsassembly, or may use connectors, couplers, etc. The laser beam travelsalong a laser beam path that typically, and in general, extends from thehigh power laser into the optical fiber to the optics assembly, wherethe laser beam is launched through free space to the intended target,e.g., the structure to be removed from at or near the surface of theearth. It being understood that there can be one of more beam shapingoptics, lenses, mirrors, prisms, connectors, other optical elements orcomponents, and free space(s) along the laser beam path in the systemfrom the laser to the intended target. The system also may typicallyhave a laser support fluid, which can be used to provide a jet streaminto which the laser beam is launched into free space, to cool theoptical assembly, or other components along the laser beam path, andcombinations and variations of these and other operations.

Preferably, for the removal or decommissioning of tubulars at or nearthe surface of the earth, the laser tool can be lowered into thetubular, a housing can be placed over the top of the tubular exposed tothe surface (or, if there is only an open borehole, at the surface ofthat opening) to protect from having any laser energy escape from theborehole during cutting, to monitor for the presence of any explosivegases, and also more preferably to protect from, and in general controlany waste material that exits the borehole during cutting, as well as,to protect against any accidental explosion from for example natural gasbeing present. The laser cuts may be inside out, outside in andcombinations and variations of these. The laser cuts can be circular andtransverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular, in which manner theywill section the tubular. Preferably, the cuts are complete cuts, andmore preferably can be complete in a single pass of the laser. However,multiple passes are contemplated and in some instances may bepreferable. Also, a stitched type of cut, with uncut and cut areas,although not presently preferable, may in some instance be benefited.

Turning to FIG. 1 there is provided a perspective view of a laserdecommissioning unit 100. The unit is a truck 110 based and has an outercovering, housing or box 111, (which in the drawing is show astransparent) that contains the laser system 102, which can include amongother things the high power laser, a chiller, a generator, a controlroom or panel. There is a spool 112 for holding the umbilical 113. Theumbilical 113 may be a high power optical fiber, a high power opticalfiber conveyance structure, a combination of a high power optical fiberand conveyance lines or channels for fluids, data and controlinformation. A high power optical fiber 114 connects the spool 112 withthe high power laser. A lifting and positioning arm assembly 101 has thecapability to raise, position and deploy the laser tool (not shown) intoa well head 103 and down to a depth that is at least about 5 feet belowthe surface of the earth, at least about 10 feet below the surface ofthe earth, at least about 20 feet below the surface of the earth, and atleast about 50 feet below the surface of the earth, or deeper. Thesystem also has a pulling device 125 that is attached to the top of thewell head 103. In this manner upon completion of the laser cut of thetubular below the well head, the entire cut assembly can be pulled fromthe ground with the arm assembly 101. The laser tool being protectedwithin the tubular as it is removed from the ground. In this manner thedeployment, cutting and removal of the tubular can be done inessentially one continuous operations.

The pulling device 125 may be separate from or integral with the lasertool. It may also have shielding to protect against the release of laserenergy, waste or other materials from the borehole.

Turning to FIG. 2A there is shown a tubular 207, e.g., a conductor, foran abandoned oil well at well site 200. The tubular 207 has a face orupper end 208, an outer surface 206 and an inner surface 209. A hole 203has been excavated below the surface 202 of the earth and into the earth201. The lateral or radial distance from the outer surface 206 of thetubular 207 to the inner surface or wall 213 of the hole 203, is shownby double arrow 205. The diameter of the hole 203 at the surface 202 isshown by double arrow 204.

In the case of an outside to inside cut, e.g., the laser beam pathleaves the laser beam tool and first strikes the outer surface 206cutting through the tubular to, and then through, the inner surface 209,the diameter 204 and the radial distance 205 can be significantlysmaller than what is required with a conventional, e.g., mechanicalcutting decommissioning operation. These distances need only be largeenough for the laser tool to be lower down around the the tubular to theintended location, e.g., depth where the laser cut is to be made and thetubular severed and pulled. Thus, the diameter of the hole may be lessthan about 10 feet, less than about 5 feet and less than about 2 feet.Similarly, the radial distance may be less than about 5 feet, less thanabout 2½ feet and less than about 1 foot.

In the case of an inside to outside cut, e.g., the laser beam pathleaves the laser beam tool and first strikes the inner surface 209cutting through the tubular to, and then through, the outer surface 206,the diameter 204 and the radial distance 205 can be significantlysmaller than what is required with a conventional decommissioningoperation, and preferably can both be zero. In the inside to outsidecut, earth does not have to be removed around the tubular to make roomfor lowering the laser tool, as the laser tool is lowered inside of thetubular. Thus, typically, a small hole, e.g., only a inch or so, largerthan the outer diameter of the tubular may be needed, to reduce theamount of force required to pull the severed tubular from the earth.

It should be noted that if there is an obstruction on the inside of thetubular, restricting or limiting the ability of the laser tool to bedeployed to the desired depth or location, the obstruction can beremoved by directing the laser beam on that obstruction or by mechanicalremoval means, and combinations and variations of these.

Turning to FIG. 2B the tubular 207 has been cut with a circular laserbeam delivery pattern, in area 210, the severed section of the tubularhas been pulled from the hole 203 and removed from the well site 200.The portion of the tubular remaining below the cut area 210 has a lasercut end or upper face 208 a.

Turning to FIG. 2C a cover 211 is attached to the tubular 206.Preferably the cover 211 has a weld 212 fixing the cover the to tubular.The weld 212 may consist of one, two, three, four or more tack welds.This may be all that is required, for example if the cover's primarypurpose is the identification of the well, or tubular and potentially tokeep debris out of the tubular. The weld 212 may be a complete weldaround the entirety of the tubular. Other methods of affixing the covermay be utilized, or may be required by rules or regulations. In othersituations, a cover may not be need or otherwise utilized.

Turning to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of an outside to insidecutting tool 306, attached to a laser field decommissioning unit 300.The unit 300 has a laser umbilical 301 that extends in association withthe unit to the laser tool 306. The unit 300 has a lifting arm 302 thathas an articulated and extendable section 307, which can be used forpulling the severed tubular, or other purposes. The unit 302 has alifting assembly 302, a first rotation or articulation joint 303, andextendable arm 304, and a second rotation or articulation joint 305. Inthis manner the laser tool can be extend to and positioned at anylocation and angle with respect to the tubular to be cut.

The laser cutting tool 306 has a first housing 306 a and a secondhousing 306 b. These housing contain the laser cutting heads. Inoperation the housings 306 a, 306 b are closed around the tubular to becut. Preferably the housings 306 a, 306 b form a barrier to the laserenergy, when closed, and may also capture any debris from the lasercutting operation. Once positioned against the outside surface of thetubular the laser cutting heads (not shown in the figure) are operated,directing the laser beams (preferably each housing contains a lasercutting head) around the tubular, severing it. During the cuttingoperation the arm assembly 302-307 may be holding the tubular so thatonce severed it does not move, slip and potentially damage the lasercutters or housings. It is understood, although not shown in FIG. 3,that high power laser fibers extend into the housings 306 a, 306 b andprovide optical connections, associations from the high power lasers tothe laser cutting tools.

Generally, when performing laser cutting operations in the field it isdesirable, and at time preferable to control the free space throughwhich the laser beam travels from the tool to the target with a laserbeam support fluid, or laser fluid. These fluids can be, for example,liquids or gases, for example D₂O, water, saline, kerosene, nitrogen,air, oxygen, or argon. They can be used to fill the area where the laseroperation is being performed or they may be part of a single or compoundlaser jet, or may be part of a separate jet. The choice, or selection ofthe laser fluid and its delivery parameters, depends upon severalfactors including the laser wavelength and absorptivity of the fluid atthat wavelength, the stand-off distance (e.g., the distance from thelast laser optics (e.g., a pressure window)) to the target, the freespace environment (e.g., turbidity, fluid flow, pressure, etc.),regulations regarding the cutting operation, safety issues, efficiencyconsideration, and combinations and variations of these and otherfactors. Further, the laser fluid can be provided to the laser cuttingtool or laser cutting area by way of a separate line or conduit, or byway of a line or conduit integrated into or associated with the laserumbilical. The laser fluid can also be supplied separately to the laseroperations area. The laser fluid may also assist in removing debris orwaste materials from the cutting area, and the cut it self.

Turning to FIG. 6 there is shown a cross sectional view of a well site600, having a tubular 601 that extends above and below the surface 603of the earth 602. The tubular 601 is within a borehole 604. Cement 604fills the area between the borehole 605 and the outer surface of thetubular 601. The tubular may be open as shown in the embodiment of FIG.6 or it may have a well head, Christmas tree or other flow controlrelated device on it. As long as this device provides sufficient accessfor lowering the laser tool, it typically will not need to be removed.

Turning to FIG. 6A there is shown an embodiment of a laserdecommissioning tool 650 positioned in the tubular 601. The laserdecommissioning tool 650 has an upper section 651 and a lower section652. The upper section 651 is configured to be located above the surface603, outside of and, preferably on, the tubular 601. The lower section652 is configured to extend down into the borehole 605 and tubular 601to the intended depth at which the laser cut is to be made to sever thetubular 601 for subsequent pulling from the earth 602. The lower sectionand the upper section are connected by laser spar or spar 651.

In this embodiment the upper section 651 has a rotation assembly 654,which includes a motor 655, a gear box 656, and a drive mechanism 657engages the spar 653 and rotates it. The upper section has a base 658that supports and may partially house, the rotation assembly 654.Bearings and seals, e.g., 659 provide for the rotation of the spar 653with respect to the upper section 651. The upper section 651 has a hoodassembly 660. The hood assembly 660 is supported by and attached to thebase 658. It being understood that the the source for rotation may beany type of motor, or other types of mechanisms, e.g., a torsional“clock” spring, or a hand crank; and that the gear box and drivemechanism can be any type of rotational driving configurations such as,e.g., a transmission, a gear box, gears, a chain drive, a belt drive, adirect drive, etc.

The hood assembly 660 has an outer body or sleeve 661. The sleeve 661contains passage 662, which in this embodiment is an annular passage,for the release or discharge of the laser fluid and any gases or debrisgenerated by the laser cutting operation. Preferably the passage 662directs the flow downward in the general direction of the surface 603.The passage may be a single channel, or multiple channels, it maycontain or have its flow associated with filters, holding containers,monitoring systems, exhaust lines, and noise suppression devices.Preferably the passage 662 has laser energy suppression devices 663. Thelaser energy suppression devices 663 may be baffles, a tortuous path, abeam dump material, a material to block back reflections, or otherdevices or systems to prevent any laser energy from leaving the boreholeor tubular. Monitors or sensors 665, 666, which can detect the presenceof laser energy, e.g., the laser beam, reflections or back reflectionsfrom the laser beam, are located within the hood assembly 660. Sensor665 is preferably located nearer to the spar 653 and above the openingof the tubular 601, which will provide information about a possiblebreak of the laser fiber in the spar, as well as, provide informationabout the laser beam coming back up out of the tubular. Sensor 666 ispreferably located at or near to the opening of the passage 662 to theenvironment, and thus will detect the presence of any laser energy thatcould escape, e.g., be propagated outside of, the hood assembly 660.Preferably, the optical fiber has a break detection system associatedwith it. The fiber break detection system, and the laser monitors 665,666 are then part of a laser control system, which can shut the laserand system down if need be. Examples of break detection and controlsystems are found in US Patent Publication Nos. 2012/0248078 and2012/0273269, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference. Further, it is preferable that appropriate sensorsand interlocks be utilized so that prior to, or more preferably in orderfor, operation the system determines that all shielding or laserisolations means are properly positioned and engaged.

Embodiments of the decommissioning tools and systems may have anassembly to control the bending for the fiber from the laser field unitto the borehole, thus in some embodiments the fiber may have totransition and thus bend from essentially horizontal to essentiallyvertical. Preferably this transition is in a manner that adequatelysupports the optical fiber while minimizing bending loses in the fiber,and more preferably this transition is accomplished by using an opticalblock, e.g., wheel assembly or goose neck assembly, of the typedisclosed and taught in US Patent Application Publication No.2012/0068086 and Ser. No. 14/105,949 the entire disclosures of each ofwhich are incorporated by reference. Laser field units of the typedisclosed and taught in in US Patent Application Publication No.2012/0068086 and Ser. No. 14/105,949, the entire disclosures of each ofwhich are incorporated by reference, may preferably be used with thelaser decommissioning tools and systems.

The upper section 651 preferably has a latching mechanism 670 (shown asdashed lines, to indicate that it is partially in the passage 662, forthis embodiment, but does not block the flow). The latching mechanism670 attaches and holds the laser tool 650 in place on the tubular duringlaser operations. The latching mechanism 670 may also have centering andpositioning devices, and in this manner serve as a landing and centeringmechanism for the placement of the tool 650 in and on the tubular 601.The laser tool may have a centering device, a positioning device, alatching devices and combinations and variations of these.

It being understood that the base 658, rotation assembly 654 and hoodassembly 660 can be integral, or affixed in any manner that is suitablefor the conditions of use, such as welding, bolts, nuts, treadedcomponents, pressure fits, and screws. Further, components of therotation assembly may also make up some or all of the base, andcomponents of the hood assembly may also make up some or all of thebase, and similarly, components of the rotation assembly may also makeup some or all of the hood, and vice versa.

Preferably, spar 651 is made from a strong material such as metal,steel, structural plastic, or composite, such as a carbon fibercomposite. The spar 653 preferably has a cavity 667 that contains thehigh power optical fiber 668 and the conveyance line 669 for the laserfluid (the cavity 667 may also serve, in whole or in part as the laserfluid conveyance line). The spar may also preferably contain data,information, and control lines, e.g., wires and data transmissionoptical fibers. In some situations and for some data and informationthere may also be wireless communication links. The spar and the toolmay also contain other sensor or monitoring devices, such astemperature, pressure, optical video, IR video, laser radar, cutverification means, and other types of sensor and monitoring apparatusand devices.

The lower section 652 of tool 650 preferably contains the laser opticsassembly or package 651, which has beam shaping and directing opticswhich can include a direction changing member 672 such as a TIR (totalinternal reflection) prism, or a mirror. The laser optics assembly 651has or is associated with a laser nozzle 673 through which the laserbeam 674 and fluid jet are launched along a laser beam path 675 to thetarget 676, which in this situation is the tubular 601. Examples oflaser optics assemblies, nozzles and packages are found in US PatentPublication Nos. 2012/0275159, 2012/0267168, 2012/0074110, and2013/0319984, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference. It should further be understood that the motor maybe placed at or near the lower section or in between the lower and theupper sections of the tool. There is also a stand-off member 677 toprotect the nozzle 673, and a guide 679, which may be a low frictionplate, a roller, or a mechanism that extends out and engages the innerwall of the tubular.

Preferably the lower section 652 has an explosive gas detector, e.g., amethane detector, so that a build up of gas can be observed andappropriate mitigation steps taken. This detector can be integrated intothe control system.

Turning to FIG. 6B there is shown the well site 600 of FIG. 6 (likenumbers indicate like structures). The laser tool 650 b, is similar tothe laser tool 650 of the embodiment of FIG. 6. The laser tool 650 doesnot have a guide 679. The laser tool 650 b has an optical rotationaltransition device 690, e.g., an optical slip ring (OSR) attached to it.The OSR 690 provides for the transition of the laser beam and laser beampath, as well as the laser fluid across a rotating/non-rotatingjunction. Examples of optical rotational transition devices are providedin US Patent Publication Nos. 2010/0044106, 2010/0044103, and2013/0266031, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 as the spar is rotated the fiber will betwisted, and thus, the rotation of the spar should be limited to a fewrotations in a first direction, e.g., clock wise, and then then a fewrotation in the opposite direction e.g., counter clock wise to preventundo bending and tension from being placed on the high power laserfiber, which could adversely affect the fibers performance. Preferably,the spar is rotated slightly more than 360 degrees in the firstdirection and than back slightly more than 360 degrees in the otherdirection to assure a complete cut of the tubular.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, because the high power optical fiber willnot be twisted by the rotation of the spar, the spar can be rotated anynumber of times in any direction.

It should be noted that while a normal, i.e., 90° to the longitudinalaxis of the tubular, cut is shown in FIG. 2B, the cut may be at anyangle, shape, or orientation with respect to the vertical axis of thetubular. Thus, the cut could be at about 15°, at about 30°, at about45°, and at about 60°. Additionally, the cut does not have be planar. Itcould provide a peeked or trough laser cut surface. Additionally, thecut may be tapered inwardly or tapered outwardly. Turning to FIG. 7Athere is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a tubular 700having a longitudinal axis 701 that has a planar laser cut at about 45°(as shown by angle 702, to the axis 701). In FIG. 7B there is shown aplan view of an embodiment of a tubular 711 have a trough shaped 705laser cut; and in FIG. 7C there shown a plan view of an embodiment of atubular 710 having a peeked shaped 706 laser end cut. Turning to FIG. 7Dthere is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a tubular 720having an inwardly tapering 721 laser cut. In FIG. 7E there is shown anembodiment of a tubular 730 having an outwardly tapering end cut 731.

Turning to FIG. 8 there is show a perspective view of an embodiment of aspar 853 and lower section of a laser tool 852. The spar 853 has a drivegear 820 attached to its upper or proximal end 853 a. (Unless specifiedotherwise, proximal and distal are relative terms, with proximalindicating a location closer to the laser along the laser beam path, anddistal indicating a location further away from the laser a long thelaser beam path.) The lower section 852 has a nozzle assembly 873 and astand off bar 877.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 a guide (e.g., FIG. 6, guide 679) is notneeded, because the strength, e.g., structural integrity, of the sparwith respect to its length, e.g., about 15 feet, is such that the sparwill not unduly bend or wobble during the laser cutting operation. Ifthe spar is longer, or if is is made more flexible, perhaps to getaround a bend or down a branch in the borehole, then one or more guidesmay be necessary. Further, depending upon these and other factors, adown hole rotation assembly may be needed or beneficial to rotate thenozzle, either in conjunction with the up hole motor, or as the solesource of rotation.

Turning to FIG. 8A there is shown an enlarged cross sectionalperspective view of the laser tool lower section 852 of the embodimentof FIG. 8. The high power optical fiber 826 enters the laser toolsection 852 at the proximal end of that section. The optical fiber isattached to an optical connector 821 (for example, a connector of thetype taught and disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2013/0011102, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Thelower section 852 has a cavity 823 for holding the optics (not shown)that is sealed with a window 824. The laser beam path 825 is showntraveling through the fiber 825, into and through the connector 821,into and through the optics (not shown) in cavity 823, into and throughwindow 824, through free space 840 into the nozzle assembly 873, whereprism 827 redirects the beam path 825 by about 90 degrees to travelthrough the opening 873 a and exit the nozzle assembly 873.

The spar may also be located within, or engaged to the drive assembly ina manner in which the length of the spar below the drive assembly can beadjusted and then locked in place. In this manner the exact location ofthe cut, below the top of the tubular, conductor, casing, etc., can bepredetermined. Thus, the length of the spar between the lower sectionand the upper section is fixedly adjustable. Any type of manual orautomatic adjustment and locking devices may be used, including clamps,wedges, keys, bolts, pins, slips, etc.

Turning to FIG. 9 there is shown a perceptive view of an embodiment of alaser decommissioning tool 900. The tool 900 has an upper section 901, aspar 902 (which in this embodiment makes up the middle section of thetool 900) and a lower section 903. The tool 900 has a rotationalassembly 904. The tool 900 has a motor 905, a transfer assembly (e.g.,transmission, gear box, gears, chain drive, etc.) 906 and a drive gear907, which is attached to the spar 902. Thus, the motor 905 through thetransfer assembly 906 and drive gear 907 can rotate the spar 902 andthrough the spar 902 rotate the lower section 903. A base plate 915supports the transfer assembly 906. A placement and locking device 910is attached around the spar 902. This device has four wedge likemembers, 911 a, 911 b, 9121 c (the four not being seen in this view ofthe embodiment). The wedge like members, wedge (e.g., drive, exertforce) against the inside of the inner most tubular to be cut when thetool is lowered into position. It being understood that there could bethree, five, six or more wedges or wedge like members. The tool 901 hasa high power laser fiber 912 and laser fluid, e.g., nitrogen supply line913.

In addition to and in combination with the wedges the locking device canme any type of mechanical engagement device that attached to the tubularor other structure to be cut and holds the tool in place duringoperation. Preferably, this device has the ability to, or is otherwiseassociated with a device that enables the tool to be positioned in thetubular, e.g., coaxially with the tubular axis, i.e., centered, offaxis, adjacent a side wall. In general, it is preferable to have thetool centered in the tubular to be cut. These engagement devices caninclude, for example: holes being place in the wedges of the embodimentof FIG. 9 and bolts, pins or other mechanical fixing devices insertedinto the holes and engaging the tubular; band type device that aretightened around the tubular; clamps; bolts: inflatable devices alongthe lines of a packer; expanding or contracting mechanical fingers ormembers that engage the tubular; a tack weld, and other types ofengagement and fixing devices. Preferably, the engagement device grabsor holds the tubular to be cut with sufficient force that the tool willnot become dislodged, and more preferably not move at all, (until theengagement device is disengaged), if there was for example a suddenincrease in pressure within the pipe, e.g., a natural gas pocketexplosion, or if the tubular shifts position.

Turning to FIG. 9A there is shown an enlarged cross sectional view ofthe upper section 901 of tool 900. A hood or cap 916 (shown in crosssectional view) has been attached to the tool, and in this embodiment isfixed against the base plate 915.

Turning to FIG. 9B there is shown a cross sectional view of the tool 900positioned in and on a multistring tubular configuration 920 forcutting. The multistring configuration 920 has an outer tubular 921, anannular space 922 between the outer tubular 921, and a middle tubular923. An annular space 924 is formed between middle tubular 923 and innermost tubular 925. Annular spaces 922 and 924 preferably are filled withcement, however, this may not necessarily be the case. As the tool islowered into place the wedges, e.g., 911 b, 911 c, are forced againstthe inner wall 925 a (of the inner most tubular 925) and against theouter surface 902 a of the spar 902. In this manner the wedges centerand hold the spar in position within the multistring configuration 920.

The cap 916 has an opening 992 that places the inside of the cap influid communication with a tubing 991, e.g., hose, flexible tube, pipe,conduit, etc. The tubing 991 connects the opening 992 to a filtrationdevice 990. In this manner the gasses on the inside of the cap 916 arein fluid communication with the tubing 991 and the filter device 990,while also being isolated from the outside environment. As laser cuttingoperations create an exhaust gas material, which can be made up ofparticulates, harmful or undesirable vapors, gases and combinations ofthese, a stream of the exhaust material, e.g., an exhaust gas stream, iscontained and carried by tube 991 to filter device 990. Filter device990 most preferably removes essentially all materials that areclassified as pollutants from the exhaust gas stream before that streamis released into the environment.

It is understood that the wedges would operate similarly on a singlestring configuration and on multistring configurations have more or lesstubular than shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9B. Further, although FIG.9C shows the tubulars to be concentric, it is understood that in thefield eccentricities and irregularities may be present indecommissioning wells, especially in older and very old wells. The lasertool can cut through the entirety of these multistring configurations,but care should be taken as cutting rates may vary depending upon theconfiguration.

Cut verification technology may also be utilized with the laserdecommissioning tool. While not as important in the single stringconfiguration, when dealing with multi string and damaged wells cutverification can be a useful tool to save time and avoiding difficultyin pulling the strings from the ground. Examples of cut verificationsystems are taught and disclosed in US Patent Publication Nos.2013/0319984 and 2012/00074110, the entire disclosures of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

Turning to FIG. 10 there is shown a perspective view of a laser tool1000. The tool 1000 has a wedge assembly 1007 for centering and fixingthe tool 1000 in a tubular. The tool has a first motor 1005 and driveassembly 1006 for rotating the spar 1002 as shown by arrow 1082. Thetool 1000 has a second motor assembly 1071 and drive assembly 1070 forraising and lowering the spar 1002 in the axial direction as shown byarrow 1080. A base plate 1015 supports both motor assembles and thewedge assembly, while permitting the spar to move. In this manner thespar can be moved axially, e.g., raised and lowered, within the tubularto make an axial, or longitudinal cut, in the tubular. Further, a spiralcut could be made if the tool was rotated and moved axial simultaneouslyduring laser cutting.

The wedge assembly may also have the ability to be adjusted vertically.In this manner the vertical position of the tool, and the depth at whichthe laser cut will be made can be adjusted. The vertical adjustment canbe made by, for example: threaded members moving the position of thewedge relative to upper section of the tool; hydraulic systems that movethe position of the wedges relative to the upper section of the tool;cleats that engage and hold the wedges at different positions; can bemade by changing the size or slope of the wedge faces which willdetermine how deep into a tubular the wedges can go; and other devicesand assemblies to adjust the location and position of a wedge, engagingor locking member with respect to the tool, and in particular the uppersection of the tool.

Laser welding techniques may be useful in many varied situations, and inparticular where welding is needed in hazardous and difficult to reachlocations, such as in a ships hull, a nuclear reactor, in a borehole, orin a pipe line. Laser welding operations may be used in conjunction withdecommissioning, exploration or production activities, to name a few.Generally, laser welding may also include laser hybrid welding whereelectrical current is used in conjunction with a laser beam to providemore rapid feed of filler material on welding deep materials such asship hulls and caissons. Laser welding can be autogenous which meansonly the base material is used and is common in keyhole welding, lapwelding, filet welding and butt welding. Laser welding can benon-autogenous where a filler material is added to the melt puddle to“fill” the gap or to create a raised bead for strength in the weld.Laser Hybrid welding is by definition non-autogenous.

Laser welding of thick cross sections typically can be done by keyholewelding techniques if the part fit up is good, or it can be “V” cut andthen filled with filler material using either a laser process or ahybrid process. Either process can be applied in a straight line orusing a weave to maximize filling of the grow and maximizing strength ofthe weld.

Preferably, in some embodiments active weld monitors can be used tocheck the quality of the weld on the fly.

Typically seam trackers are beneficial, and at times often needed, whenperforming lap or butt welds. Keyhole welds that are also butt weldstypically require a seam tracker, however Keyhole welds that penetrateboth parts in a lap geometry generally do not need to track a seam.

Laser cladding is a process where a material is injected into a laserbeam by either a coaxial gas/powder jet, a lateral gas/powder jet, astrip feeder, a wire feeder or preplaced powder. The laser preheats thesurface while simultaneously melting the feed material, the material isthen melted into the surface by the laser beam during the process.Generally, laser cladding processes provide superior processes forminimizing dilution of the base material while producing a strongmetallurgical bond between the clad material and the substrate.

Typically laser welding uses a very low flow of gas to keep the opticsclean, an air knife to keep the optics clean or an inert environment tokeep the optics clean. Laser welding can be performed in air or an inertenvironment.

Typically, laser welding underwater requires a water free cavity to beplaced over the region to be welded or cladded which is then backfilledwith inert gas to keep the water out of the region. Or a packer can beused to isolate the area for the case where flow can be stopped or doesnot exist.

Generally, down hole and field welds and repairs can preferably takeplace under controlled environments, e.g., under argon. Furthertemperature of the welding location may also be desirable to becontrolled. Nitrogen and other gasses may also be used but in generalare not preferred. A packer or other type of isolation device in thetubular or area where the welding is to take place may be utilized.

Preferably, when the laser tool is configured for performing a laseroperation on a target material the laser beam path from the front of thetool to the surface of target material should be isolated. This may beaccomplished by the use of a barrier, housing hood, and the boreholewalls, to prevent the laser light from escaping or from reaching thelocation where personnel may be present. For example the laser beam pathmay be isolated by using a light weight metal tube, having an internaldiameter that is large enough to not interfere with the laser beam, thatis optically sealed to the laser tool, i.e., no laser light can escape,and that extends from the laser tool to the work surface, where it isoptically sealed to the work surface. It may be isolated by using atemporary, semi-permanent or permanent shielding structure, e.g., standsholding welding blankets or other light blocking materials, a scaffoldsupporting light blocking materials, a telescoping or extendable housingthat is placed over the beam path or more preferably the tool and thebeam path. It may also be isolated by constructing a temporary,semi-permanent or permanent barrier to optically isolate the beam path,and more preferably to isolate the tool, the work surface and the targetmaterial from personnel, e.g., a temporary barrier in or over theborehole, or optically sealing against the tubular walls. Lasercurtains, such as those available from BEAMSTOP'R®, may be used toisolate the laser beam and laser beam path.

Preferably, the laser tools, systems and equipment will meet therequirements of 21 C.F.R. § 1040.10 (Revised as of Apr. 1, 2012), theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, to beconsidered Class III, more preferably Class II, and still morepreferably Class I.

As used in this specification a “Class I product” is equipment that willnot permit access during the operation of the laser to levels of laserenergy in excess of the emission limits set forth in Table I. Thus,preferably personnel operating, and in the area of operation, of theequipment will receive no more than, and preferably less than, thefollowing exposures in Table I during operation of the laser equipment.

TABLE I CLASS I ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS FOR LASER RADIATIONWavelength Emission duration Class I-Accessible emission limits(nanometers) (seconds) (value) (unit) (quantity)** ≥180 ≤3.0 × 10⁴ 2.4 ×10⁻⁵k₁k₂* Joules(J)* radiant energy but ≤400  >3.0 × 10⁴ 8.0 ×10⁻¹⁰k₁k₂* Watts(W)* radiant power >400  >1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 2.0 × 10⁻⁵ 2.0 ×10⁻⁷k₁k₂ J radiant energy but  >2.0 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.0 × 10¹ 7.0 ×10⁻⁴k₁k₂t^(3/4) J radiant energy ≤1400  >1.0 × 10¹ to 1.0 × 10⁴ 3.9 ×10⁻³k₁k₂ J radiant energy  >1.0 × 10⁴ 3.9 × 10⁻⁷k₁k₂ W radiant power andalso (See paragraph (d)(4) of this section)  >1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.0 × 10¹10k₁k₂t^(1/3) Jcm⁻²sr⁻¹ integrated radiance  >1.0 × 10¹ to 1.0 × 10⁴20k₁k₂ Jcm⁻²sr⁻¹ integrated radiance  >1.0 × 10⁴ 2.0 × 10⁻³k₁k₂Wcm⁻²sr⁻¹ radiance >1400  >1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.0 × 10⁷ 7.9 × 10⁻⁵k₁k₂ Jradiant energy but  >1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10¹ 4.4 × 10⁻³k₁k₂t^(1/4) Jradiant energy ≤2500  >1.0 × 10¹ 7.9 × 10⁻⁴k₁k₂ W radiant power >2500 >1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ 1.0 × 10⁻²k₁k₂ Jcm⁻² radiant exposure but >1.0 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.0 × 10¹ 5.6 × 10⁻¹k₁k₂t^(1/4) Jcm⁻² radiant exposure≤1.0 × 10⁶  >1.0 × 10¹ 1.0 × 10⁻¹k₁k₂t Jcm⁻² radiant exposure *Class Iaccessible emission limits for wavelengths equal to or greater than 180nm but less than or equal to 400 nm shall not exceed the Class Iaccessible emission limits for the wavelengths greater than 1400 nm butless than or equal to 1.0 × 10⁶ nm with a k₁ and k₂ of 1.0 forcomparable sampling intervals. **Measurement parameters and testconditions shall be in accordance with paragraphs (d)(1), (2), (3), and(4), and (e) of this section.

As used in this specification a “Class IIa product” is equipment thatwill not permit access during the operation of the laser to levels ofvisible laser energy in excess of the emission limits set forth in TableII-A; but permit levels in excess of those provided in Table I.

TABLE II-A CLASS IIa ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS FOR LASER RADIATIONCLASS IIa ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS ARE IDENTICAL TO CLASS I ACCESSIBLEEMISSION LIMITS EXCEPT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING RANGE OF WAVELENGTHS ANDEMISSION DURATIONS: Wavelength Emission duration Class IIa-Accessibleemission limits (nanometers) (seconds) (value) (unit)(quantity)* >400 >1.0 × 10³ 3.9 × 10⁻⁶ W radiant power but ≤710*Measurement parameters and test conditions shall be in accordance withparagraphs (d) (1), (2), (3), and (4), and (e) of this section.

As used in this specification a “Class II product” is equipment thatwill not permit access during the operation of the laser to levels oflaser energy in excess of the emission limits set forth in Table II; butpermit levels in excess of those provided in Table II-A.

TABLE II CLASS II ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS FOR LASER RADIATION CLASSII ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS ARE IDENTICAL TO CLASS I ACCESSIBLEEMISSION LIMITS EXCEPT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING RANGE OF WAVELENGTHS ANDEMISSION DURATIONS: Wavelength Emission duration Class II-Accessibleemission limits (nanometers) (seconds) (value) (unit)(quantity)* >400 >2.5 × 10⁻¹ 1.0 × 10⁻³ W radiant power but ≤710*Measurement parameters and test conditions shall be in accordance withparagraphs (d) (1), (2), (3), and (4), and (e) of this section.

As used in this specification a “Class IIIa product” is equipment thatwill not permit access during the operation of the laser to levels oflaser energy in excess of the emission limits set forth in Table III-A;but permit levels in excess of those provided in Table II.

TABLE III-A CLASS IIIa ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS FOR LASER RADIATIONCLASS IIIa ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS ARE IDENTICAL TO CLASS IACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS EXCEPT WITHIN THE FOLLOWING RANGE OFWAVELENGTHS AND EMISSION DURATIONS: Wavelength Emission duration ClassIIIa-Accessible emission limits (nanometers) (seconds) (value) (unit)(quantity)* >400 >3.8 × 10⁻⁴ 5.0 × 10⁻³ W radiant power but ≤710*Measurement parameters and test conditions shall be in accordance withparagraphs (d) (1), (2), (3), and (4), and (e) of this section.

As used in this specification a “Class IIIb product” is equipment thatwill not permit access during the operation of the laser to levels oflaser energy in excess of the emission limits set forth in Table III-B;but permit levels in excess of those provided in Table III-A.

TABLE III-B TABLE III-B CLASS IIIb ACCESSIBLE EMISSION LIMITS FOR LASERRADIATION Emission Wavelength duration Class IIIb-Accessible emissionlimits (nanometers) (seconds) (value) (unit) (quantity)* ≥180 ≤2.5 ×10⁻¹ 3.8 × 10⁻⁴k₁k₂ J radiant energy but ≤400  >2.5 × 10⁻¹ 1.5 ×10⁻³k₁k₂ W radiant power >400  >1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 10k₁k₂t^(1/3) Jcm⁻²radiant exposure but 2.5 × 10⁻¹ to a maximum Jcm⁻² radiant exposurevalue of 10 ≤1400  >2.5 × 10⁻¹ 5.0 × 10⁻¹ W radiant power >1400  >1.0 ×10⁻⁹ to 10 Jcm⁻² radiant exposure but 1.0 × 10¹ ≤1.0 × 10⁶  >1.0 × 10¹5.0 × 10⁻¹ W radiant power *Measurement parameter and test conditionsshall be in accordance with paragraphs (d) (1), (2), (3), and (4), and(e) of this section.

The values for the wavelength dependent correction factors “k1” and “k2”for Tables I, IIA, II, IIIA, IIIB are provided in Table IV.

TABLE IV VALUES OF WAVELENGTH DEPENDENT CORRECTION FACTORS k₁AND k₂Wavelength (nanometers) k₁ k₂    180 to 302.4 1.0 1.0 >302.4 to 315  $10^{\lbrack\frac{\lambda - 302.4}{5}\rbrack}$ 1.0 >315 to 400 330.0 1.0 >400 to 700 1.0 1.0 >700 to 800$10^{\lbrack\frac{\lambda - 700}{515}\rbrack}$ $\quad\begin{matrix}{{{if}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} t} \leq \frac{10100}{\lambda - 699}} \\{{{then}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} k_{2}} = 1.0}\end{matrix}$ $\quad\begin{matrix}{{{if}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} \frac{10100}{\lambda - 699}} < 1 \leq 10^{4}} \\{{{then}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} k_{2}} = \frac{t\left( {\lambda - 698} \right)}{10100}}\end{matrix}$ $\quad\begin{matrix}{{{if}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} t} > 10^{4}} \\{{{then}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} k_{2}} = \frac{\lambda - 699}{1.01}}\end{matrix}$  >800 to 1060   >1060 to 1400$10^{\lbrack\frac{\lambda - 700}{515}\rbrack}$ 5.0 if: t ≤ 100 then: k₂= 1.0 $\quad\begin{matrix}{\mspace{11mu} {{{if}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} 100} < t \leq 10^{4}}} \\{{{then}\text{:}\mspace{11mu} k_{2}} = \frac{t}{100}}\end{matrix}$ if: t > 10⁴ then: k₂ = 100 >1400 to 1535 1.0 1.0 >1535 to1545 t ≤ 10⁻⁷ 1.0 k₁ = 100.0 t > 10⁻⁷ k₁ = 1.0 >1545 to 1.0 × 10⁶ 1.01.0 Note: The variables in the expressions are the magnitudes of thesampling interval (t) , in units of seconds, and the wavelength (λ) , inunits of nanometers.

The measurement parameters and test conditions for Tables I, IIA, II,IIIA, and IIIB, which are referred to by paragraph numbers of “thissection,” are as follows, and are provided with their respectiveparagraph numbers “b” and “e” as they appear in 21 C.F.R. § 1040.10(Revised as of Apr. 1, 2012):

(b)(1)Beam of a single wavelength. Laser or collateral radiation of asingle wavelength exceeds the accessible emission limits of a class ifits accessible emission level is greater than the accessible emissionlimit of that class within any of the ranges of emission durationspecified in tables I, II-A, II, III-A, and III-B.

(b)(2)Beam of multiple wavelengths in same range. Laser or collateralradiation having two or more wavelengths within any one of thewavelength ranges specified in tables I, II-A, II, III-A, and III-Bexceeds the accessible emission limits of a class if the sum of theratios of the accessible emission level to the corresponding accessibleemission limit at each such wavelength is greater than unity for thatcombination of emission duration and wavelength distribution whichresults in the maximum sum.

(b)(3)Beam with multiple wavelengths in different ranges.” Laser orcollateral radiation having wavelengths within two or more of thewavelength ranges specified in tables I, II-A, II, III-A, and III-Bexceeds the accessible emission limits of a class if it exceeds theapplicable limits within any one of those wavelength ranges.

(b)(4)Class I dual limits. Laser or collateral radiation in thewavelength range of greater than 400 nm but less than or equal to 1.400nm exceeds the accessible emission limits of Class I if it exceeds both:(i) The Class I accessible emission limits for radiant energy within anyrange of emission duration specified in table I, and (ii) The Class Iaccessible emission limits for integrated radiance within any range ofemission duration specified in table I.

(e) (1)Tests for certification. Tests shall account for all errors andstatistical uncertainties in the measurement process. Because compliancewith the standard is required for the useful life of a product suchtests shall also account for increases in emission and degradation inradiation safety with age.

(e)(2)Test conditions. Tests for compliance with each of the applicablerequirements of paragraph (e) shall be made during operation,maintenance, or service as appropriate: (i) Under those conditions andprocedures which maximize the accessible emission levels, includingstart-up, stabilized emission, and shut-down of the laser product; and(ii) With all controls and adjustments listed in the operation,maintenance, and service instructions adjusted in combination to resultin the maximum accessible emission level of radiation; and (iii) Atpoints in space to which human access is possible in the productconfiguration which is necessary to determine compliance with eachrequirement, e.g., if operation may require removal of portions of theprotective housing and defeat of safety interlocks, measurements shallbe made at points accessible in that product configuration; and (iv)With the measuring instrument detector so positioned and so orientedwith respect to the laser product as to result in the maximum detectionof radiation by the instrument; and (v) For a laser product other than alaser system, with the laser coupled to that type of laser energy sourcewhich is specified as compatible by the laser product manufacturer andwhich produces the maximum emission level of accessible radiation fromthat product.

(e)(3)Measurement parameters. Accessible emission levels of laser andcollateral radiation shall be based upon the following measurements asappropriate, or their equivalent: (i) For laser products intended to beused in a locale where the emitted laser radiation is unlikely to beviewed with optical instruments, the radiant power (W) or radiant energy(J) detectable through a circular aperture stop having a diameter of 7millimeters and within a circular solid angle of acceptance of 10⁻³steradian with collimating optics of 5 diopters or less. For scannedlaser radiation, the direction of the solid angle of acceptance shallchange as needed to maximize detectable radiation, with an angular speedof up to 5 radians/second. A 50 millimeter diameter aperture stop withthe same collimating optics and acceptance angle stated above shall beused for all other laser products. (ii) The irradiance (W/cm²) orradiant exposure (J/cm²) equivalent to the radiant power (W) or radiantenergy (J) detectable through a circular aperture stop having a diameterof 7 millimeters and, for irradiance, within a circular solid angle ofacceptance of 10⁻³ steradian with collimating optics of 5 diopters orless, divided by the area of the aperture stop (cm²). (iii) The radiance(W/cm² steradian) or integrated radiance (J/cm² steradian) equivalent tothe radiant power (W) or radiant energy (J) detectable through acircular aperture stop having a diameter of 7 millimeters and within acircular solid angle of acceptance of 10⁻⁵ steradian with collimatingoptics of 5 diopters or less, divided by that solid angle (sr) and bythe area of the aperture stop (cm²).

In general, for embodiments of surface and near surface laserdecommissioning tools and systems they may have, and it is preferablethat embodiments include, for example, protective housings or shields,safety interlocks, remote interlock connectors, key controls, emissionindicators, beam attenuators, remote controls, remote camera and displaysystems for viewing the laser and laser-mechanical operations and workzones, scanning safeguards, warning signs, stickers and designations andcombinations and variations of these. Examples of some embodiments ofcontrol and monitoring systems for high power laser systems andoperations are disclosed and taught in Published U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Numbers: 2012/0248078 and 2012/0273269, the entiredisclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The protective housing or shielding may be of an expandable ordeployable nature, or it may be fixed. If deployable, it may be expandedor positioned, against the earth, tubular walls, or well structure orother structure such that it substantially optically seals the area oflaser operation. In this manner the shield prevents excess laser lightform escaping the shield, and optically contained area, where the laseroperation is being performed. These shields may be made out of compositematerials, metal and carbon fiber bases materials to name a few. It ispreferred that the materials that are used have a high absorption forthe wavelength(s) of laser energy that are being used, have sufficientdurability and heat resistance that they are not quickly (instantly)destroyed if the laser beam should strike them, and they should bedurable enough and conformable enough to form optical seals against thesurrounding material. In the expandable type of shield, for example,they could be made from an expandable skirt, such as the skirts that areused in hovercraft. They may also be made from material and technologyused in oil field packers, and packer systems; if they are inflated witha fluid, expanded, or if internal void spaces are present, they may bepreferably be filled with fluid, or other material that is absorbent,and more preferably highly absorbent to the laser wavelengths beingused. They may be made out of steel, metal, carbon-based material andmay be multi-layer and multi-material based.

In an embodiment the cutting unit may include all of the necessaryequipment to safely and efficiently perform the well casing cut at atabout 3 ft or more below ground level, at about 5 ft or more belowground level, and at about 10 ft or more below ground level, andpreferably without the need for excavation. Embodiments of these cuttingunits can include, for example, a generator to power all necessaryequipment, for example a 100 kW generator, a 150 kw generator a 200 kWgenerator or more, which provides the necessary power to preferablypower all required equipment, a laser generation unit, a nitrogenstorage and vaporization system, operator control cabin, a smoke andparticulates emission control unit, and a suite of laser cutting toolswith their deployment mechanism. Embodiments of these cutting units isdesigned to operate in a very tight well spacing environment, with theability to cut a well located either directly behind the unit or oneither side of the rear of the unit. These tight cutting units canpreferably be equipped with sufficient consumables (including diesel andnitrogen) to be self contained and cut 5 wells or more without the needto result consumables, cut 7 wells or more without the need to resultconsumables, and cut 10 wells or more without the need to resultconsumables. More preferably, these cuts can be made in a single day.

In an embodiment of the present inventions, there is an auxiliary unit,that can be used for site preparation, casing stub removal, topping offwith cement, welding the identification plate on the cut casing stub,and backfilling the casing hole with dirt. The auxiliary unit can workindependently of, in parallel with, and serially with embodiments of thelaser cutting units. Activities associated with laser remover ofstructures can included, for example, conducting underground surveys forelectrical lines and pipelines, a site survey which can among otherthings provide information data for the pre-job design including cuttingparameters and the post-cut materials required. These activities can beconducted in conjunction with the auxiliary unit, with the laser unit,with combinations of these, and independently of these.

There is provided a high power laser tool having: a first assembly, anda second assembly; a spar having a length, the spar mechanically androtationally associating the second assembly and the first assembly; thesecond assembly having a housing, the housing having an optics assemblyand a laser beam exit port; the optics assembly having a lens and a beampath angle changing optical member, whereby the optics assembly providesfor a laser beam path through the lens, making about a right angle bendat the beam path angle changing optical member, and exiting the housingthrough the laser beam exit port; and, a laser beam isolation means,wherein the tool as deployed has equal to or lower than a Class Iaccessible emission limit.

Moreover, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the accessibleemission limit is equal to or less than about 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹radiance; wherein the laser beam isolation means has a conical shieldoptically sealing the first assembly against the tubular when deployed;wherein the laser beam isolation means has a conical shield opticallysealing the first assembly against the tubular when deployed; whereinthe laser beam isolation means has a hood; wherein the laser beamisolation means has a hood; wherein the laser beam isolation means has ahood and a laser energy suppression device; wherein the laser beamisolation means has a hood and a laser energy suppression device;wherein the laser beam isolation means has a hood and a laser monitor;wherein the tool as deployed during normal operation has an accessibleemission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less and whereinthe engagement device has a wedge; wherein the tool as deployed duringnormal operation has an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻²sr⁻¹ radiance or less and wherein the first assembly has an optical slipring; wherein the tool as deployed during normal operation has anaccessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or lessand wherein the high power optical fiber extends through the firstassembly and is located within the spar; wherein the tool as deployedduring normal operation has an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less and wherein the first assembly has anoptical slip ring and wherein the high power optical fiber is in opticalcommunication with the optical slip ring and wherein the high poweroptical fiber is located within the spar; and wherein the tool asdeployed during normal operation has an accessible emission limit of2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance or less and wherein the engagementdevice has a centering device and wherein the spar is at least about 10feet long.

Still further, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the means forrotating the spar has a device selected from the group consisting of anelectric motor, a DC electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a step motor, agear box, a torsional device and a transmission; wherein the means forrotating the spar has a device selected from the group consisting of anelectric motor, a hand crank, a gearbox, a transmission and a beltdrive, and wherein the engagement device has a centering device; whereinthe means for rotating the spar has a device selected from the groupconsisting of an electric motor, a hand crank, a gearbox, a transmissionand a belt drive, and wherein the first assembly has an optical slipring and wherein the high power optical fiber is in opticalcommunication with the optical slip ring and wherein the high poweroptical fiber is located within the spar; and wherein the means forrotating the spar has a device selected from the group consisting of anelectric motor, a DC electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a step motor, agear box, a torsional device and a transmission, and wherein the spar isat least about 5 feet long.

Furthermore, there is provided a high power laser tool for deployment ina tubular to be cut, the tool having: a first assembly, and a secondassembly; a spar having a length and mechanically and rotationallyassociating the second assembly and the first assembly, thereby defininga distance between the second assembly and the first assembly; and,whereby the second assembly is rotatable with respect to the firstassembly; the second assembly having a housing, the housing having anoptics assembly in optical communication with a high power optical fiberand a laser beam exit port, wherein the optics assembly defines a laserbeam path exiting the housing through the laser beam exit port; and, thefirst assembly having a means for rotating the spar and an engagementdevice, wherein upon deployment of the tool the first assembly iscapable engaging the tubular and rotating the spar and the secondassembly to cut the tubular with a laser beam at a predetermined depth.

Yet further, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the engagementdevice has a wedge; wherein the engagement device has a centeringdevice; wherein the first assembly has an optical slip ring; wherein thehigh power optical fiber extends through the first assembly and islocated within the spar; wherein the first assembly has an optical slipring and wherein the high power optical fiber is in opticalcommunication with the optical slip ring; wherein the first assembly hasan optical slip ring and wherein the high power optical fiber is inoptical communication with the optical slip ring and wherein the highpower optical fiber is located within the spar; wherein the spar is atleast about 5 feet long; wherein the spar is at least about 15 feetlong; wherein the spar is at least about 20 feet long; where in the sparis at least about 40 feet long; wherein the spar is at least about 50feet long; wherein the engagement device has a centering device andwherein the spar is at least about 10 feet long; wherein the firstassembly has an optical slip ring and wherein the spar is at least about10 feet long; wherein the high power optical fiber extends through thefirst assembly and is located within the spar and wherein the spar is atleast about 10 feet long; wherein the first assembly has an optical slipring and wherein the high power optical fiber is in opticalcommunication with the optical slip ring and wherein the spar is atleast about 10 feet long; wherein the length of the spar is adjustable,whereby the distance between between the first assembly and the secondassembly can be changed; and wherein the tool as deployed during normaloperation has an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹radiance or less; wherein the tool as deployed during normal operationhas an accessible emission limit of 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance orless and wherein the engagement device has a wedge; and wherein themeans for rotating the spar has a device selected from the groupconsisting of an electric motor, a DC electric motor, a pneumatic motor,a step motor, a gear box, a torsional device and a transmission, andwherein the first assembly has an optical slip ring.

Additionally, there is provided a high power laser tool having: a firstassembly, and a second assembly; a spar having a length, the sparmechanically and rotationally associating the second assembly and thefirst assembly; the second assembly having a housing, the housing havingan optics assembly and a laser beam exit port; the optics assemblyhaving a lens and a beam path angle changing optical member, whereby theoptics assembly provides for a laser beam path through the lens, makinga bend at the beam path angle changing optical member, and exiting thehousing through the laser beam exit port; and, the high power opticalfiber located within the spar.

In addition, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: having a laser beamisolation means, wherein the tool has equal to or lower than a Class Iaccessible emission limit; wherein the accessible emission limit isequal to or less than about 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance; whereinthe tool as deployed has equal to or lower than a Class I accessibleemission limit; and wherein the first assembly has an optical slip ring;wherein the accessible emission limit is equal to or less than about2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹ radiance; and having a means for rotating thespar attached to the first assembly and a laser beam isolation means,wherein the tool as deployed has equal to or lower than a Class Iaccessible emission limit and wherein the first assembly has an opticalslip ring;.

Still moreover there is provided a high power laser tool having: a firstassembly, and a second assembly; a spar having a length, the sparmechanically and rotationally associating the second assembly and thefirst assembly; the second assembly having a housing, the housing havingan optics assembly and a laser beam exit port; the optics assemblyhaving a lens and a beam path angle changing optical member, whereby theoptics assembly provides for a laser beam path through the lens, makinga bend at the beam path angle changing optical member, and exiting thehousing through the laser beam exit port; and, a laser beam isolationmeans, wherein the tool has equal to or lower than a Class I accessibleemission limit.

In addition, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the accessibleemission limit is equal to or less than about 2.0×10⁻³k₁k₂ Wcm⁻² sr⁻¹radiance; wherein the laser beam isolation means has a conical shieldoptically sealing the first assembly against the tubular when deployed;wherein the laser beam isolation means has a hood; wherein the laserbeam isolation means has a hood and a laser energy suppression device;wherein the laser beam isolation means has a hood and a laser monitor;wherein the laser beam isolation means has a hood and a sensor; whereinthe laser beam isolation means has a hood and an interlock.

Furthermore, there is provided a high power laser system having a highpower laser tool for deployment in a structure to be cut, the systemhaving: a high power laser field unit having a high power laser and alaser umbilical, the laser umbilical having a high power laser opticalfiber, the high power laser optical fiber having a distal end, aproximal end, and defining a length there between, the proximal end ofthe optical fiber in optical communication with the high power laser;the distal end of the optical fiber in optical communication with a highpower laser tool; the high power laser tool having: an upper section,and a lower section; a spar having a length, the spar mechanically androtationally associating the upper section and the lower section,whereby the lower section is rotatable with respect to the uppersection; the lower section in optical association with the opticalfiber, the lower section having a housing, the housing having a laserbeam exit port and a laser beam path, wherein the laser beam path exitsthe housing through the laser beam exit port; and, a means to provideoptical shielding, wherein the tool has equal to or lower than a Class Iaccessible emission limit.

Still further there is provided a Class I high power laser tool forsurface and near surface deployment in a tubular to be cut, the toolhaving: a first assembly, and a second assembly; a spar having a length,the spar mechanically associating the second assembly and the firstassembly, whereby the second assembly is located about the length of thespar from the first assembly; the second assembly having a housing, thehousing having an optics assembly in optical communication with a highpower optical fiber and a laser beam exit port, wherein the opticsassembly defines a laser beam path exiting the housing through the laserbeam exit port; and, the first assembly having a means for shielding thelaser beam path, whereby the tool has equal to or lower than a Class Iaccessible emission limit.

Yet moreover, there is provided a high power laser decommissioning toolfor performing a laser decommissioning operation on a structure, thetool having: an upper section, having a base plate; a middle section,having a spar having a length of at least about 5 feet; and a lowersection, having a laser cutter; whereby the middle section connects theupper and lower sections; a rotational assembly, having a motor and atransfer assembly; the rotational assembly mounted on the base plate androtationally associated with the spar, whereby the rotational assemblyis capable of rotating the spar; and, an engagement and locking device,whereby when the tool is deployed the the tool is held in place duringlaser operations.

In addition, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the engagementand locking device has a wedge; wherein the engagement and lockingdevice has a plurality of wedges; wherein the engagement and lockingdevice is attached to the base plate; wherein the beam path anglechanging optical member, has a mirror; and wherein the beam path anglechanging optical member, has a TIR prism; wherein the beam of the beampath is about 90 degrees;.

Moreover there is provided a method of removing a structure located inthe earth including: positioning a laser decommission systems in thearea of a structure to removed from the ground, the laserdecommissioning system having a high power laser and a laserdecommissioning tool; the structure at least partially located in theearth, having an exterior surface, and extending down under a surface ofthe earth for at least 50 feet; the structure having an opening at ornear the surface of the earth; placing the laser decommissioning tool inoptical association with the structure, whereby a laser beam path fromthe laser beam tool is located at a depth below the surface of theearth; delivering the laser beam along the laser beam path to thestructure in a laser beam pattern, wherein the accessible emission limitis equal to or lower than a Class I, and whereby the structure is cut;and, removing the structure above the cut from the earth.

In addition, there is provided the tools, systems and methods that mayinclude one or more of the following features: wherein the laser beam isat least about 5 kW; wherein the laser beam is at least about 15 kW;wherein the structure is a tubular and the area is a hydrocarbon wellsite to be decommissioned; wherein the structure is a conductor and thearea is a hydrocarbon well site to be decommissioned; wherein thestructure is a multistring conductor and the area is a hydrocarbon wellsite to be decommissioned; wherein the decommissioning tool is at leastpartially within the structure and the laser cut is an inside to outsidecut; wherein the earth remains adjacent to the outer surface of thestructure while the structure is in the earth; wherein the earth isremoved from the exterior of the structure to at or below the depth,thereby creating a space, defining a distance, between the earth and theexterior of the structure; wherein the distance is less than about 10feet; wherein the distance is less than about 5 feet; and wherein thedistance is less than about 1 foot.

Still further there is provided a method of performing down hole highpower laser welding operations on a target structure within a boreholein the earth, including: optically associating a high power laser toolwith a source of a high power laser beam, whereby the laser tool candeliver a high power laser beam along a beam path; operationallyassociating the laser tool with a target structure in a borehole in theearth; whereby the laser beam path is through a free space partiallydefined by a distance between the laser beam tool to the targetstructure; providing a controlled and predetermined atmosphere in thefree space; and, propagating the laser beam through the controlled andpredetermined atmosphere and performing a laser welding operation on thetarget structure.

Still additionally, there is provided the tools, systems and methodsthat may include one or more of the following features: wherein thetarget structure is a patch covering a damaged section of a tubular;wherein the target structure is a casing junction in a multi-junctionwell configuration; and wherein the laser welding operation is selectedfrom the group consisting autogenous welding, laser-hybrid welding,keyhole welding, lap welding, filet welding, butt welding andnon-autogenous welding.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to illustrate various devices,tools, configurations and activities that may be performed using thehigh power laser tools, devices and system of the present inventions.These examples are for illustrative purposes, and should not be view as,and do not otherwise limit the scope of the present inventions.

Example 1

In a situation where there is a damage pipe in a well, the damagedsection of the pipe may be removed, by laser milling, mechanicalmilling, water jet or a combination of both. A plate may then be laserwelded in place. Preferably, this may be accomplished without theremoval of the production tubing. FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a graphicrepresentation of this process. Thus, a borehole 400 has a casing 401and a production tubing 402. The casing 401 has a damaged area 403. Thelaser tool is positioned in the space between the production tubing 402and the casing 403 and removes the damaged area, providing clean andpredetermined laser cut surfaces. A patch or plate 410 is positionedover the open area of the casing and laser welded in place 406, 404. Ifneed be or desirable, the formation in the damaged area can be removed.

Example 2

Two tubulars are positioned end-to-end, about 5,000 feet in a boreholeand welded using a key hole laser weld.

Example 3

Two conductor pipes are positioned in a butt-to-butt overlayingarrangement and laser welded. Preferably using a key hole weldingtechnique.

Example 4

Flow lines, or pipe lines are repaired, built with laser welding using alaser welding barge.

Example 5

FOSP risers are laser welded in the field with a laser welding system.

Example 6

Laser cladding of down hole structures, damage pipes, and otherlocations where metal needs to be added or deposited in a controlled andpredetermined manner. For example, damaged conductors, risers, tubularscould be repaired or rebuilt using down hole laser cladding methods.

Example 7

Hangers for casing may be supplemented or eliminated by down hole laserwelding of the inner and outer strings. Further, cement sealing betweeninner and outer strings of tubulars may be supplemented by weldingforming a complete weld between and along their respective inner andouter diameters.

Example 8

Turning to FIG. 5 there is provided an embodiment of a multi-junctionwell configuration. The primary borehole 500 has a branch 501. At thejunction 504, 506 of the casing 502 for the primary borehole 500 and thecasing 503 for branch 501, laser welds 505, 506 are utilized. Theselaser welds can replace in whole or in part the hangers, and other downhole connectors that are presently needed to insure structural andpressure integrity of the casing. These laser welds are less obstructiveto the borehole, leave greater area for tools, and production tubing, toname a few things.

Example 9

The laser tool of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 9A is opticallyassociated with a 20 kW laser, through the laser umbilical. The tool isused to perform a decommission activity in accordance with the followingembodiment of a decommissioning operational plan.

Step Operation 1. All wells must be clean of debris in order forinternal laser cutting tools to function properly. Contractor is to useAPI sized drifts and properly drift the innerstring of the multistringwell prior to the arrival of the laser cutting system. 2. Laser deliverypackage arrives onsite preset on truck and trailer combo. Equipment willbe rigged up according to deck spot plan and procedure for rigging. Anyneeded lifting operations require a good communication between crew,deck foreman and crane operator to avoid any hazardous situation(hanging load, correct rigging, etc.) 3. Hook-up of umbilical's andhoses. Hook-up of equipment shall commence as soon as the positioning ofthe truck in correct location relative to well bore to be severed.Escape routes shall be identified and marked. Hook up fiber optics,hydraulics, water and air hoses. Focus on routing of hoses to minimizetrip hazards. Route fiber optic lines in a manner that minimizesexposure to personnel. Focus on isolation of equipment to preventrelease of stored energy. 4. Verify well is free of hydrocarbons byscanning area around well bore for explosive gases with LEL meteringequipment. Also if present, open annulus wing valves to vent allannulus. If explosive gas is present, notify field superintendent andstand down for further instructions. 5. Client has filled out andreported the correct cutting depth from top of the multistring to 5′ BMLNOTE: Depth is to include an additional distance from mean gradient totop of well head 6. Install the upper tool extension sub over theumbilical package before stabbing the laser connector into the connectorreceptacle located on the upper portion of the tool. 7. Connect lasercutting tool to the laser cutting umbilical (includes fiber optic line,hydraulic lines, pneumatic hoses, and electrical cables) and slide theupper tool extension sub back down and secure to the connector housing.Using measured distance from Step 4, slide down the Wedge and MotorAssembly onto the upper extension sub and secure the assembly to thetool package using clamps provided. The distance from the lower edge ofthe wedge to the center point of the nozzle should equal the number onthe “Depth Verification Report” 8. Before running the Internal LaserCutting Tool down hole, follow deployment checklist and operationprocedures for pre-deployment. Laser/Optics Package is declared readyfor operations 9. Install umbilical bend limiter and hose/fiber sealinggrommet onto top of tool and secure with provided bolts Utilizing thecrane, hoist the laser tool and umbilical over to the top of the wellbore. Slower lowering the tool down into the top of the well innerstringuntil the Wedge assembly bottoms out onto the top lip of the innermoststring. 10. Once the top of the tool is safely set inside the well bore,secure the tool wedge (swivel bolts provided by Foro) to the outer wellhead or outermost casing, whichever provides the best securing point.11. Install the light containment device around the area surrounding thewedge and external portion of the well bore. The beam stop cone will actto divert any light emitted back down into the wellbore or ground aswell as prevent any gas from escaping vertically. Install the active gasmonitoring device into the light containment device port and connectinto the control room. This will allow for real-time monitoring of gasshould explosive gas migrate thru existing wellbore cement plugs. If thegas is detected the laser interlock will activate and shutdown theoperation. 12. Initiate gas flow thru the umbilical from the lasersurface spread compressor, this will allow for gas to open the cuttingnozzle orifice and flow evenly over the optic components as well asprovide a proper laser waveguide for efficient internal to externalmultistring cutting. NOTE: Do not allow for the gas to shutdown on thesurface at anytime as this will cause debris and sediment to enter intothe optic assembly of the tool and cause failure. 13. Start the laserfrom the laser control container located on the back of thetruck/trailer combo and monitor laser, optics, housing temperaturesduring cutting process 14. Confirm laser penetration thru the wall ofthe multistring into the seafloor by cooling gas flow increase 15. Startlaser cutting tool head rotation at pre-specified speed (based onproject engineer supplied cutting times versus multistring outerdiameter, number of strings and wall thickness) 16. Complete 360 degreerotation and confirm the cut by crane or pulling device. IF not fullysevered continue cutting with laser power at full levels until fullseverance occurs. Once multistring has been verified fully severed, stopthe rotation of the tool and unsecure the tool's wedge from the well.Securely hoist the tool back to the storage area for maintenance anddown-rig all umibilicals, hoses and supporting equipment 17. Reconnectthe crane or articulating arm to the tools lifting eyes and retrieve thelaser cutting tool until it reaches the top of the multistring. Gas flowshould still be flowing out of the cutting head nozzle orifice in orderto ensure proper optic cleanliness. 18. Connecting the crane or pullingdevice to the well bore, via chain or lifting straps, pull the severedwell section from the ground and lay down in pre-designated scrap area.Due to some wells having cement vaults around the outer casing, the pullmay require a larger than well weight strain to pull out of ground. Ifunsuccessful in pulling due to excessive cement to soil friction,project would resort to small excavator for breaking the well bore looseof the soil. NOTE: Well may have cement vault around the outermoststring and pulling up thru compact ground may result in crane shockload, therefore preset pulling levels must be set as to avoid equipmentor personnel damage. 19. Once well is pulled and laid down, utilize thecrane to install a, similar outer well casing diameter, casing overshotdown into the exposed hole. This will keep the hole open for regulatorybodies to examine top plug location and fully severed well bore. Uponregulatory body sign-off for completing abandonment program, theovershot will allow for identification plate welding onto innermoststring. 20. After identification plate has been welded onto the wellbelow ground level, an excavator team would back fill the hole withsoil. 21. If additional wells are within reach of tool and umbilicallengths not restraining, repeat Steps 4-20.

Example 10

A mobile high power laser system for welding, decommissioning, andrepairing including: a laser housing; a handling apparatus; a high powerlaser capable of generating at least a 10 kW laser beam within the laserhousing; a conveyance structure including a high power optical fiber, apassage, a line and a support structure, wherein the high power opticalfiber having a core diameter of at least about 100 μm and a minimum bendradius; and, an optical block having a radius of curvature, wherein theoptical block radius of curvature is greater than, equal to, or within5% less than the radius of curvature of the high power optical fiber.

Example 11

A mobile high power laser system for welding, decommissioning, andrepairing including: a base; the base having a laser housing, anoperator housing and a handling apparatus; a chiller, a storage tank,and a laser capable of generating at least a 10 kW laser beam beingassociated with the laser housing; a conveyance structure including ahigh power optical fiber, a passage, a line and a support structure,wherein the high power optical fiber has a minimum bend radius; and, anoptical block having a radius of curvature, wherein the optical blockradius of curvature is greater than or substantially equal to the radiusof curvature of the high power optical fiber.

Example 12

A mobile high power laser system for decommissioning, welding andrepairing having a conveyance structure that is at least 5,000 feetlong, which has an optical fiber who's core has a diameter of at leastabout 100 μm. The system also having a means for suppressing non-lineareffects.

Example 13

A Class I mobile high power laser decommissioning system including atleast 500 feet of conveyance structure and where the core diameter maybe at least about 450 μm, a high power laser is capable of generating alaser beam of at least 10 kW, and a laser tool, shielding and controlsystem to direct the laser beam in a predetermined manner and containthe laser beam.

Example 14

A Class I mobile high power laser decommissioning system including atleast 500 feet of conveyance structure and where the core diameter maybe at least about 100 μm, a high power laser is capable of generating alaser beam of at least 10 kW, and a laser tool, shielding and controlsystem to direct the laser beam in a predetermined manner and containthe laser beam

Example 15

A Class I mobile high power laser decommissioning system including atleast 500 feet of conveyance structure and where the core diameter maybe at least about 550 μm, a high power laser is capable of generating alaser beam of at least 10 kW, and a laser tool, shielding and controlsystem to direct the laser beam in a predetermined manner and containthe laser beam.

Example 16

A Class II mobile high power laser decommissioning system including atleast 500 feet of conveyance structure and where the core diameter maybe at least about 450 μm, a high power laser is capable of generating alaser beam of at least 10 kW, and a laser tool, shielding and controlsystem to direct the laser beam in a predetermined manner and containthe laser beam.

Example 17

A Class I mobile high power laser system for decommissioning, weldingand repairing having a conveyance structure that is at least 1,000 feetlong, which has an optical fiber who's core has a diameter of at leastabout 300 μm. The system also having a means for suppressing non-lineareffects.

Example 18

The embodiment of FIG. 1 being a Class I system.

Example 19

The embodiment of FIG. 3 being a Class I system.

Example 20

The embodiment of FIG. 6A being a Class I system.

Example 21

The embodiment of FIG. 6B being a Class I system.

Example 22

The embodiment of FIG. 9A being a Class I system.

Example 23

An embodiment of a laser decommissioning tool is deployed internal tothe wellbore and the laser beam is propagated a long a laser beam pathdownwardly, generally along the axis of the wellbore, to remove anycement, debris, or obstructions that are internal of the innermoststring. Depending upon the selected beam pattern and nature of thematerial to be cleared, the entire spar or just the lower optics housingmay be rotated.

Example 24

An embodiment of a mobile field laser unit, is provided in FIGS. 11-11F.Although this unit is preferably deployed for land baseddecommissioning, it is understood that it can be placed on a barge,platform, derrick, drill ship or other offshore type structure or vesseland perform laser operations offshore, or perform laser operations onland from an offshore position. Further, although particular figures maybe discussed in detail with respect to one component or another, itshould be understood that similar lead line numbers correspond tosimilar components throughout FIGS. 11-11F.

Turning to FIGS. 11 AND 11A there is shown perspectives views of amobile field laser unit 1150. In FIG. 11 the rear section 1130 isclosed, e.g., for transport or traveling, and in FIG. 11A in the rearsection 1130 is opened, e.g., for deployment or for commencing laserdecommissioning operations. Thus, FIG. 11 shows the unit 1150 in anun-deployed or transport configuration; and FIG. 11A shows unit 1150 ina deployed, or operational configuration. Left side 1153 access doors,1131, 1132 of the container 1104 of unit 1150 are open, as shown in thefigures.

The mobile field laser unit 1150, has a container 1104, that houses thelaser, control room, support gas, chiller and other equipment. In thisembodiment the container 1104 is mounted on a truck chassis 1101. In apreferred embodiment the truck can be about 36 feet in length and 13feet, 4 inches in height. In being understood that the laser system, forexample the container 1104, can be mounted on a sled, in a shippingcontainer type structure, on a semi-trail, a rail car or other movable,and semi-movable enclosures or structures. The laser system andsupporting equipment, e.g., lifting devices, rotary slip ring, lasertools, exhaust gas cleaning and filtering systems can be in a singlecontainer, or can be in multiple container.

Turning to FIG. 11A, the rear section 1130 has a crane or lifting device1102, two laser cutting tools 1108, 1108 a (in their respective racks,or holding devices), a window 1105 that provides views from the controlcabin, in control cabin section 1105 a. There is also a filtrationsystem 1106. The crane 1102 is mounted to the inner face 1133 of thetailgate door 1134 of container 1104. In this manner when the unit 1150is in the deployed configuration the crane 1102 can be raised from thedoor 1134, by a rotational unit 1136, while remaining attached to andsupported by the door 1134. The crane 1102 can be used to steady membersas they are being laser cut or sectioned, as well as, pulling, removingor lifting sectioned members, such as casing, from the well.

The container 1104, preferably contains the laser and all supportequipment and systems needed to perform high power laser cuttingoperations. Thus, through the open door 1132, there is seen a supportinggas holding tank 1140, which in a preferred embodiment is a liquidnitrogen tank, preferably about a 500 gal. capacity. The container 1104in this embodiment has a roof mounted fan assembly 1107 for chiller1201. The chiller components 1201 are in fluid and thermal communicationwith the unit's roof-mounted fan cooing unit 1107. In a preferredembodiment the chiller 1201 can have a 20-ton capacity. Preferablycontrol cabin section 1105 a, is separate, or partially or completelyisolated from the tanks and chiller. In an embodiment the controlsection 1105 a contains a control system, operator terminals andmonitors, and umbilicals. An access port 1603 (see FIGS. 11D and 11E) isprovided for the umbilical to be feed out of the control cabin section1105 a and connected to a tool, e.g., 1108.

The truck further comprises a laser cutting exhaust handling andfiltration system, 1106, e.g., a filtration system for the removal ofgases and particles that may be generated during laser decommissioningoperations. The umbilical, has a return line, or a separate return linecan be used. The return line is connected to the filter system tocapture, control and clean any gases or particulates that may begenerated during laser decommission operations.

FIG. 11B shows a side view, of side 1154, of the unit 1150. This is theother side of the truck as seen in FIGS. 11 and 11A. In this view sideaccess door 1203 is open. Any of the access door on the unit can be usedto provide maintenance and utility access to equipment and components inthe unit 1150, such as, e.g., generator 1220, chiller 1201, and secondfluid tank 1202, preferably a 500 gal. liquid nitrogen tank. Any of theaccess doors may also provide emergency access to these components incase an emergency shutdown is required. Generator 1220 can have hookupsfor power lines to power components both inside and outside of thetruck. Any of the access doors may remain open to allow for power linesto run outside of the truck during operation. The truck may also haveexternal power boxes with various electrical connectors and powersupplies for providing power to outside devices, e.g., during operation,to avoid running cables out of an open access door.

FIG. 11C shows a side view, of side 1153, of unit 1150. Access doors1131, 1132 are open and provide access to the side 1301 of chiller 1201and fluid tank 1140. Components of the control cabin can be seen throughside control cabin window 1304. The rear section 1130 has a door 1134,which is a lower section of the rear section 1130, and an upper hatch ordoor 1139.

The generator 1220 has a power conditioner 1907 that conditions theelectrical power for use by the laser 1801. The generator 1220 may alsohave a hook-up cabinet, or external outlets which can be on either side,1153, 1154 of the unit 1150. Preferably, in an embodiment the hook-upcabinet allows connectors, preferably electrical power cables, or othermeans, to connect the generator to tools, computers, compressors, orother devices useful in decommissioning operations. The powerconditioning unit conditions the electrical supply to the high powerlaser, to make certain that it is within the power requirements for thelaser.

FIGS. 11D and 11E are perspective views of the rear section 1130 of themobile laser unit 1150 from side 1154 and side 1153, respectively. Therear gate 1134 and hatch 1139 are open. The deployment crane 1102 ismounted to the upper section of the gate 1134. In this manner therotation unit 1136 is furthers from the unit when the gate 1134 is fullyopened, e.g., deployed. The rotation unit 1136, has a joint that permitsthe crane boom to be raised and rotated, hydraulic cylinders andelectric motors can be used for moving and positioning of the crane. Thecrane 1102 is swingable and has an extendable boom that is capable ofreaching and handing laser tools 1108, 1108 a, as well as, the removalof sectioned materials, e.g., tubulars, casing, from the decommissionedwell. Crane 1102 may then access a well to perform laser operations onthe well or peripheral equipment placed near the mobile laser unit orthe well. Laser tool umbilicals are accessible by a port 1603 leadinginto the unit 1150. This umbilical port 1603, allows for an umbilicalthat is in fluid communication with the working fluid, preferably liquidnitrogen, is in optical communication with the laser source, preferablywith an optical fiber for transmitting a high power laser beam from thelaser to laser cutting tool assembly, e.g., 1108. Additionally, theumbilicals may include control and data lines for keeping the tool indata and control communication with a control system (not shown) in acontrol cabin. The rear of the truck also features a filtration system1106. Filter system 1106 handles return gas, removing problematicmaterials that may be generated by laser cutting applications.Preferably, filter system 1106 handles, e.g., removes or mitigates,VOCs, particulates, HAPs, TAPs and other problematic materials, and inparticular removes, or reduces the presence of, all problematicmaterials required to meet environmental standards.

FIG. 11F shows a cutaway, top-down view of a mobile laser unit. The tailgate 1134 is is open. The high power laser 1801, which preferably is atleast a 5 kW, preferably at least a 10 kW and more preferably a 20 kWfiber laser, is positioned in the control cabin section of the unit,adjacent to the power conditioning unit 1907 and separated from theliquid nitrogen tanks 1140, 1202, and the generator 1220. A controlterminal 1805 is located in the control room, and provides a viewthrough window 1105 to decommissioning operations. Preferably, the laser1801 and control panel 1805 are separated from the tanks and generatorby an insulated aluminum wall. Decommissioning operations are controlledby control terminal 1805, which may control one or more of the laser1801, the crane 1102 and the cutting tool, e.g., 1108, 1108 a, oncedeployed, as well as other equipment and components in the unit 1150.The power conditioner 1907 is in electoral connection with the generator1220.

Example 25

In an embodiment of the mobile laser system of FIGS. 11-11F, the truckis preferably adheres to all National and California regulations—DOT,EPA etc. The truck chassis from Peterbilt or Kenworth, 22 ft chassis ispresently preferred length. 300 HP minimum. Class 8 chassis. Remoteconnections panel on both sides of truck to contain 2×Ethernet socketconnected to Laser control panel, 2×110 v power, 2×220 v power. Panelsto have lockable waterproof lids. Cabin air conditioning—overhead 2units. Laser warning beacon on top of truck at rear. Laser alarm speakerat rear of truck. P.A. system, external speaker on rear of truck. Hangerrack in chiller compartment. 20 ton chiller, preferably with vents withreplaceable dust filters mounted such that they can be easily replaced.Access ports for access to chiller valving and connections. 20 kw Laser,preferably access on all sides of the Laser. Rear of Laser to have anaccess door to allow maintenance and removal of the Laser with aforklift to support the chassis. Laser to be mounted on coiled wire forshock mounting. Power conditioner, access required on all sides. 2×279gal Nitrogen tanks, access doors required on both sides to allow easyaccess to valves, fill ports, etc., Liftmoore Crane/tool lift systemrear bumper mounted. Smoke filter system.

Example 26

In an embodiment of the system of FIG. 12 there is provided a mobileauxiliary decommissioning unit 2000. This unit 2000 may work inconjunction with mobile laser unit represented in the embodiments of thesystem in FIGS. 11-11F. In this embodiment, the mobile auxiliarydecommissioning unit is on a truck 2001, preferably a flatbed truck. Themobile auxiliary decommissioning unit features a lifting unit 2002,preferably a knuckle boom crane. This crane may be used to move liftingframe 2003 for placement above a wellhead. The system further featurespumping system 2004. The pumping system may be used to pump cement toplug the well. It may be used to remove material from the well site. Themobile auxiliary decommissioning unit may assist with site preparation,casing stub removal, plugging a well, welding of steel lid plates, orthe backfilling of a hole with soil or sand.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the system in use at a wellsite. Thesurface 2120 of the earth is shown cut away to reveal the ground 2121below the surface at the well site. Pumping system 2104 has prepared thesite for laser decommissioning, and crane 2102 has deployed liftingframe 2103 above the well. In this instance, soil conditions, e.g.,sanding soil make it preferable to deploy extension legs 2105 a, 2105 b,2105 c, and 2105 d to keep lifting frame 2103 stable, e.g., fromsinking, shifting or tilting. Lifting frame 2013 includes pullingdevices 2107 a, 2107 b for use in lifting well casing 2106, once is hasbeen cut by the laser tool. In this embodiment the well casing 2106 hasonly been minimally separated from the ground 2121. For instance, by useof pumping system creating a small space between the exterior of thecasing 2016 and the ground 2121. Thus, in this instance, after aninternal laser cut is made, sectioning the casing 2016, the liftingframe 2013 can pull the sectioned casing from the ground 2121. In thismanner the use of an inside to outside cut, allows a below grade removalof the casing, with only above grade non-laser activity, and personal.This minimizes the need for earth moving around the well, and reduces,and preferably prevents the need to lower personnel or equipment into ahole surrounding the well.

Example 27

In an embodiment of a laser decommissioning system there is provided asystem that can arrive on a well site, via a truck, e.g., 16 ft stakebed truck (7,600 payload), after multistring severing at for example −5ft below soil gradient has been performed. A chain tieback from theouter casing string is used to connect the hydraulic cylinder clevis andfirmly secure the outer casing string for lifting after laser cutting.Other means of attachment can be used, such as chokers, cleats, graspingarms, ratcheting devices and the like. With system attached to thecasing, a small hydraulic power pack would supply up to 3000 psipressure to the hydraulic cylinders and retract until the casing hasbeen pulled up thru the soil (i.e. 1-2 ft vertical). Larger and smallerlifting capacity cylinders may be used. One, two, three four or morelifting devices may be used, in embodiments of the lifting frame. Theyliving device would include gear type, cables, and ratchet type liftingor pulling devices to name a few. Upon casing verification, e.g.,confirmation that the laser cut has been complete and that the casingcan be readily removed from the ground, the casing would then bereleased back down into the soil at which point the lifting unit isdemobilized back to the truck bed and moved to the next location. And acrane of other pulling device is used to completely remove the casing.In embodiments of the lifting device the device can completely removethe casing.

Features of an Embodiment of a Lifting Unit Pulling Capacity (Retract)50 Tons (Combined Pull Capacity) - Two - 5″ Bore × 1.5″ Rod DoubleActing Cylinders Department of Transportation California DoTRequirements Design Constraint = < (6′L × 6′W × 4′H) Outriggers neededbased on surface soil condition Lifting Padeyes, 4 Part Sling HydraulicPressure/Flow <3000 psi/1-2 GPM Range of Casing Sizes to Be Pulled 5½″OD to 18⅝″ Cement Vaults on outside of Cement vaults up to 46″ indiameter Casing may be encountered.

Example 28

In an embodiment of the lifting frame for sandy soil conditions, thesystem can have larger bases or feet, out riggers, extension legs toprovide stability during hydraulic pulling operations. The well headalso may sit roughly 1-3 ft above soil grade and therefore the centerportion of the frame can be open to allow vertical access. Also thecylinder rods can extend down to the outermost casing due to some outercasings being buried up to 2′ ft in sandy soil (the soil is removed togain access to the casing and install lifting chains).

FIGS. 14-14C depect and embodiment of a lifting frame for use at awellsite, preferrably during laser decomissioning. The lifting frame2200 comprises four cross bars 2202 a, 2202 b, 2202 c, 2202 d, thatallow for an opening in the center of the frame. The lifting frameincludes main legs 2206 a, 2206 b, 2206 c, 2206 d, and extension legs2205 a, 2205 b, 2205 c 2205 d. The extension legs telescope out of thecross bars 2202 a, 2202 c. This allows the extension legs to be extendedfrom the frame 2200 while remaining connected to the frame 2200. Onsolid earth, a pad, or rock, extension legs do not need to be extendedfrom the frame, and may be proximate to main legs. But on sandy or sandyor loose soil, extension legs may be extended to distribute the weightof the lifting frame and thus enhance stability, e.g., keep it fromsinking. The lifting frame 2200 further comprises pulling devices 2201a, 2201 b, which are connect to cross bars 2202 b and 2202 drespectively. These pulling devices include an eyehole at the distalend, or other attachment device for linking well casings, tubulars, orother structures to the pulling devices 2201 a, 2201 b. For example,lifting chains can be used to lift the structures from the well, such ascut casing.

Preferably, a hydraulic power pack would supply up to 3000 psi pressureto the hydraulic cylinders, internally housed in lifting devices 2201 aand 2201 b. These hydraulic power packs allow the lifting devices 2201a, 2201 b to retract until the structure has been pulled through thesoil. Preferably, the structure may be pulled 1-5 vertical ft. Largerand smaller lifting capacities may be used. Preferably, the liftingdevices may hoist at least 50 tons. As the structure is pulled from theground though an entire stroke of the cylinders, it can be tied off, andthe lifting chain reattached at the newly exposed lower portion, in thismanner structures significantly longer than the height of the frame canbe pulled. As such structures are pulled they may extend through theopening in the frame.

FIG. 14A shows a bottom view of lifting frame 2200. FIG. 14B shows aside view of the lifting frame of the embodiment of FIG. 14. FIG. 14Cshows a side view of the lifting frame 2200 showing extension legs 2205c, 2205 b partially extended from cross bar 2202 a.

Example 29

FIG. 15 shows an example of an onshore well decommissioning operationfeaturing an embodiment of a mobile laser unit 2601, with the boom 2605extended and the laser tool 2604 extended into a hole in the ground2621, below the surface 25=620 of the earth. An auxiliarydecommissioning unit 2602 is also on site. Additionally, a backhoe 2603is used to excavate around wellsite. As show in the figure the casinghas already been cut and removed.

Example 30

In an embodiment of a mobile laser unit system the the cutting tools canbe deployed without a crane. The mobile laser unit comprises generatorpreferably a 180 kW generator; a laser, preferably a solid state lasercapable of producing at least about 15 kW of laser energy; working fluidtanks, e.g., liquid nitrogen; operator control cabin with a controlterminal capable of controlling laser operations. The system alsocomprises a smoke and particulate emission control unit, that preferablymay handle VOCs, particulates, HAPs, TAPs and other problematicmaterials readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Example 31

The laser decommissioning tool has a focal length for the cutting laserbeam that puts the focal point, or more preferably the beam waste in thearea of the casing and tubulars to be cut. More preferably the beamwaste is essentially located only in the tubulars to be cut. In thismanner, underground infrastructure will not be accidently cut by thelaser beam during cutting, e.g., in particular during an inside tooutside tubular cut. The laser beam beyond the beam waste., e.g., beyondthe tubular to be cut, will be defocussed significantly that it willtravel less than 5 ft, less than 3 ft, and preferably less than 1 ftthough the sand or soil surrounding the well to be decommissioned. Inthis manner the focal length and positioning of the beam wastesufficiently reduces the laser beam power per cc, to the point wheresurrounding underground infrastructure will not be accidentally damaged.

FIGS. 16 and 16A show a perspective and cross sectional view,respectively, of an an embodiment of the laser cutting tool. The toolhas an upper drive assembly 2804, laser collimator housing 2803, beampath housing 2802, and cutting head 2801. Cutting head 2801 comprises anemitter where the laser leaves the tool. The tool features a slimdiameter, where at its narrowest in a preferred embodiment has an outerdiameter is 1.75″. This allows the tool to fit into narrow tubulars andstructures, as well as damaged or partially occluded tubulars. Thecutting occurs from the inside-out of the structure as the cutting head2801 rotates around 360 degrees. Preferably, the tools is used in, andto cut, 2⅜″ and 2⅞″ tubing. This tool may also be used in wells havingdual or multiple strings of tubulars, such as steam injector wells,where one or more of the strings is cemented.

Example 32

The laser field unit has a return gas handling system (e.g. components992, 991, 990 of FIG. 9B) that has a filter unit an electrostaticprecipitator unit to remove particulate materials and other undesirablesubstances from the return gas stream, e.g., exhaust materials gasstream, that is used for the laser operation. These particulates andother undesirable materials can be created by the laser beam vaporizing,spalling or otherwise creating particles and material that becomesuspended in the working fluid, e.g., the nitrogen stream. The returngas is captured at or near the top of the well and sent via a tube,e.g., flexible pipe or hose, to return fluid cleaning device, such asfor example filters, electronic precipitators (e.g., a SMOKE-HOG fromUnited Air Specialists Inc.). In embodiments, one, two or more of thesecleaning devices can be used in serial, parallel and both manners. Thesecleaning devices, or filter systems can be an integral part of the laserfield unit, e.g., the embodiment of FIG. 11-11F, or they can be anindependent, stand alone, unit.

Example 32a

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit of the type show in

FIG. 1 has a filter unit for filtering the exhaust material streamcreated by the laser cutting operation. The filter unit reduces thetotal particulates present in the exhaust material stream by at least90%, preferably at least 95%, and more preferably at least 99.9%.

Example 32b

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the amount of particulates releases from the filterunit for 1 hour of laser operations to below 2 pounds, preferably below1 pound, and more preferably below 0.5 pounds

Example 32c

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the amount of particulates releases from the filterunit for 8 hours of laser operations to below 2 pounds, and morepreferably below 1 pound.

Example 32d

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the amount of particulates releases from the filterunit for 1 hours of laser operations to below 2 pounds, preferably below1 pound, and more preferably below 0.5 pounds.

Example 32e

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the amount of HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants, whichwould include for example, material listed in section 112(b) of the USFederal Clean Air Act, and material listed in section 44321 of theCalifornia Health and Safety Code) that may be present, to the extentthat the steam leaving the filter unit is under any governmentalstandard, industrial guideline, or regulatory requirement relating toHAPs

Example 32f

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit of the type show in FIG. 1 has afilter unit for filtering the exhaust material stream created by thelaser cutting operation. The filter unit reduces the total HAPs presentin the exhaust material stream by at least 90%, preferably at least 95%,and more preferably at least 99.9%.

Example 32g

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit of the type show in FIG. 1 has afilter unit for filtering the exhaust material stream created by thelaser cutting operation. The filter unit reduces the VOCs (VolatileOrganic Compounds); and thus unit can be fully VOC compliant, under anygovernmental standard, industrial guideline, or regulatory requirementrelating to VOCs.

Example 32h

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the amount of TAPs (Toxic Air Pollutants); and canbe fully TAP complainant, under any governmental standard, industrialguideline, or regulatory requirement relating to TAPs.

Example 32i

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the total TAPs present in the exhaust materialstream by at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and more preferably atleast 99.9%.

Example 32j

An embodiment of a decommissioning unit has a filter unit for filteringthe exhaust material stream created by the laser cutting operation. Thefilter unit reduces the total TAPs, VOCs and HAPs present in the exhaustmaterial stream by at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and morepreferably at least 99.9%.

Example 33

The working fluid, e.g., nitrogen, air, argon, is flowed at about 50scfm to about 300 scfm, more than about 100 scfm, more than about 200scfm, and from about 100 scfm to about 200 scfm, when perform a lasercutting operation. This flow of working fluid carries away particulateand generated vapors to a filter unit, such as the unit of Example 32.The working fluid flow also, preferable serves to keep the laser beampath, and thus the laser beam, free from any debris or other materialthat would interfer with the transmission of the laser beam, along thebeam path, to the target location, e.g., the casing to be cut.

Example 34

Using a down hole laser tool well tubulars, e.g., a conductor, amulti-string tubulars, multi-string tubulars with grout; are completelycut at about 5 feet below the surface of the ground. The cutting laserbeam as delivered from the laser tool is at least about 15 kW. Duringthe cut nitrogen is flowed into the well, and the laser beam path isthrough nitrogen gas to the target. The laser cut is made from theinside to the outside. Little and preferably no excavation of thetubulars is required below about 1 ft (to provide sufficient access toattaching lifting/pulling chains). After the laser cut is complete,(preferably in a single rotation of the laser tool within in thetubular, e.g. one 360° rotation of the laser beam), the lifting deviceof the type of FIG. 14 is used to pull the tubulars free of the earth.Preferably the lifting device has sufficient travel (about 5 ft or more)to pull the tubular completely from the earth. If the lifting devicedoes not, it can be removed and a crain, back hoe, or other device withsufficient lifting and travel capacity can be used to pull the tubularfrom the earth.

Example 34a

The operation of example 34 is conducting with the use of a mechanicalcutting or separating device in addition to the laser.

Example 34b

The operation of example 34 is conducting with the use of a mechanicalcutting or separating device instead of the laser.

Example 34c

The operation of example 34 is conducting with the use of a fluid jetcutting or separating device in addition to the laser.

Example 34d

The operation of example 34 is conducting with the use of a fluid jetcutting or separating device instead of the laser.

Embodiments of TIR prisms in laser tools may be used with the presentlaser cutting and decommissioning tools, and in the present laserdecommissioning system, these TIR prisms are taught and disclosed inU.S. Pat. applications Ser. No. 13/768,149 and Ser. No. 61/605,434, theentire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein byreference. Thus, TIR prisms may be used at the distal end of the lasertool for the beam path to make a right angle (or greater or lesser thana right angle) direction change from the vertical.

By way of example, the types of laser beams and sources for providing ahigh power laser beam may, by way of example, be the devices, systems,and beam shaping and delivery optics that are disclosed and taught inthe following US Patent Applications and US Patent ApplicationPublications: Publication No. 2010/0044106; Publication No.2010/0044105; Publication No. 2010/0044103; Publication No.2010/0044102; Publication No. 2010/0215326; Publication No.2012/0020631; Publication No. 2012/0068086; Publication No.2012/0261188; Publication No. 2012/0275159; Publication No.2013/0011102; Publication No. 2012/0068086; Publication No.2012/0261188; Publication No. 2012/0275159; Ser. No. 14/099,948; Ser.Nos. 61/734,809; and 61/786,763, the entire disclosures of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference. The source for providingrotational movement, for example may be the systems and devicesdisclosed and taught in the following US Patent Applications and USPatent Application Publications: Publication No. 2010/0044106,Publication No. 2010/0044104; Publication No. 2010/0044103; Ser. No.12/896,021; Publication No. 2012/0267168; Publication No. 2012/0275159;Publication No. 2012/0267168; Ser. No. 61/798,597; and Publication No.2012/0067643, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

By way of example, umbilicals, high powered optical cables, anddeployment and retrieval systems for umbilical and cables, such asspools, optical slip rings, creels, and reels, as well as, relatedsystems for deployment, use and retrieval, are disclosed and taught inthe following US Patent Applications and Patent ApplicationPublications: Publication No. 2010/0044104; Publication No.2010/0044106; Publication No. 2010/0044103; Publication No.2012/0068086; Publication No. 2012/0273470; Publication No.2010/0215326; Publication No. 2012/0020631; Publication No.2012/0074110; Publication No. 2013/0228372; Publication No.2012/0248078; and, Publication No. 2012/0273269, the entire disclosuresof each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which maypreferably be used as in conjunction with, or as a part of, the presenttools, devices, systems and methods and for laser removal of an offshoreor other structure. Thus, the laser umbilical may be: a single highpower optical fiber; it may be a single high power optical fiber thathas shielding; it may be a single high power optical fiber that hasmultiple layers of shielding; it may have two, three or more high poweroptical fibers that are surrounded by a single protective layer, andeach fiber may additionally have its own protective layer; it maycontain other conduits such as a conduit to carry materials to assist alaser cutter, for example oxygen; it may have conduits for the return ofcut or waste materials; it may have other optical or metal fiber for thetransmission of data and control information and signals; it may be anyof the combinations set forth in the forgoing patents and combinationsthereof. Although not specifically shown in the embodiment of thefigures and examples, break detection and back reflection monitorydevices and systems may be utilized with, or integrated into the presenttools, umbilicals, optical cables, deployment and retrieval systems andcombinations and variation so these. Examples of such break detectionand monitoring devices, systems and methods are taught and disclosed inthe following US Patent Application: Ser. No. 13/486,795, PublicationNo. 2012/00074110 and Ser. No. 13/403,723, and US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2010/0044106, the entire disclosures of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

By way of example, the laser systems of the present invention mayutilize a single high power laser, or they may have two or three highpower lasers, or more. The lasers may be continuous or pulsed(including, e.g., when the lasing occurs in short pulses, and a lasercapable of continuous lasing fired in short pulses). High powersolid-state lasers, specifically semiconductor lasers and fiber lasersare preferred, because of their short start up time and essentiallyinstant-on capabilities. The high power lasers for example may be fiberlasers or semiconductor lasers having 1 kW, 5 kW, 10 kW, 20 kW, 50 kW ormore power and, which emit laser beams with wavelengths in the rangefrom about 405 nm (nanometers) to about 2100 nm, preferably in the rangeabout 800 nm to about 1600 nm, about 1060 nm to 1080 nm, 1530 nm to 1600nm, 1800 nm to 2100 nm, and more preferably about 1064 nm, about1070-1083 nm, about 1360 nm, about 1455 nm, 1490 nm, or about 1550 nm,or about 1900 nm (wavelengths in the range of 1900 nm may be provided byThulium lasers). Thus, by way of example, the present tools, systems andprocedures may be utilized in a system that is contemplated to use four,five, or six, 20 kW lasers to provide a laser beam in a laser toolassembly having a power greater than about 60 kW, greater than about 70kW, greater than about 80 kW, greater than about 90 kW and greater thanabout 100 kW. One laser may also be envisioned to provide these higherlaser powers. Examples of preferred lasers, and in particularsolid-state lasers, such as fibers lasers, are disclosed and taught inthe following US Patent Applications and US Patent ApplicationPublications: Publication No. 2010/0044106, Publication No.2010/0044105, Publication No. 2010/0044103, Publication No.2013/0011102, Publication No. 2010/0044102, Publication No.2010/0215326, Publication No. 2012/0020631, Publication No.2012/0068086; Ser. No. 14/099,948, Ser. No. 61/734,809, and Ser. No.61/786,763, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

Embodiments of the devices, systems, tools, activities and operationsset forth in this specification may find applications in activities suchas: offshore activities; subsea activities; perforating; decommissioningstructures such as, oil rigs, wells, well sites, oil platforms, offshoreplatforms, factories, nuclear facilities, nuclear reactors, pipelines,bridges, etc.; cutting and removal of structures in refineries; civilengineering projects and construction and demolitions; concrete repairand removal; mining; surface mining; deep mining; rock and earthremoval; surface mining; tunneling; making small diameter bores; oilfield perforating; oil field fracking; well completion; window cutting;well decommissioning; well workover; precise and from a distancein-place milling and machining; heat treating; drilling and advancingboreholes; workover and completion; flow assurance; and, combinationsand variations of these and other activities and operations.

The various embodiments of devices, systems, tools, activities andoperations set forth in this specification may be used with various highpower laser systems and conveyance structures and systems, in additionto those embodiments of the Figures and in this specification. Thevarious embodiments of devices systems, tools, activities and operationsset forth in this specification may be used with: other high power lasersystems that may be developed in the future: with existing non-highpower laser systems, which may be modified, in-part, based on theteachings of this specification, to create a high power laser system;and with high power directed energy systems. Further, the variousembodiments of devices systems, tools, activities and operations setforth in this specification may be used with each other in different andvarious combinations. Thus, for example, the configurations provided inthe various embodiments of this specification may be used with eachother; and the scope of protection afforded the present inventionsshould not be limited to a particular embodiment, configuration orarrangement that is set forth in a particular embodiment, example, or inan embodiment in a particular Figure.

The inventions may be embodied in other forms than those specificallydisclosed herein without departing from its spirit or essentialcharacteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in allrespects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

1. A system for surface decommission of wells, the system comprising: a.laser unit, the laser unit comprising: a chiller; a laser source, thelaser source capable of generating at least a 10 kW laser beam; acontrol systems; and, a control counsel; b. a deployment crane; c. alaser tool comprising a shielding and exhaust gas collection housing; d.a gate door on the laser unit, the gate door having and upper and alower section, whereby the lower section is hingidly attached to theunit; e. the deployment crane mounted on the upper section of the gatedoor, whereby when the gate door is opened the upper section is agreater distance from the unit than the lower section; and, f. the lasertool comprising: a first assembly; a second assembly; whereby the secondassembly is rotatable with respect to the first assembly; and, thesecond assembly housing a laser beam path. 2-50. (canceled)